A large crowd gathered in La Center to celebrate a ribbon-cutting and grand opening event for Podunk Pizza Co. on Saturday, March 18.
Some community members came in on horseback for pizza and a good time during the packed event as live music serenaded the customers as the night went on.
“We’re delighted to have one more business here in La Center,” Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Cerveny said during the event. “When they thrive, the community thrives.”
Owner Tosha Emerson said the business, which has been open for a month, has received positive feedback from its customers, which is showcased with a Google rating of 4.9 as of Sunday, March 19.
Emerson is involved with the community of La Center as her kids attend the city’s schools. She is also a graduate of La Center High School.
Podunk’s menu pays homage to the community through its pizzas named Wildcat, Paradise Point, Birch Ave and Holley Park. Even names of nearby high school mascots are featured on the menu with pizzas dubbed the Spudder and Beaver. The Wildcat, named after the La Center High School mascot, comes with red sauce topped with mozzarella cheese, sausage, ham, bacon, pepperoni and salami.
Emerson said they only use premium meats and the quality can be found in the taste that comes from the pizza. Along with the established options on the menu, customers can build their own 12-inch pizza with a variety of toppings to choose from.
Emerson’s background in the industry started when she was in college. Her love of the restaurant industry resulted in her owning a cafe in Camas for six years.
Emerson and her husband, Anthony, currently own a salad manufacturing business that creates deli salads for grocery stores along with Podunk Pizza.
“Hopefully a couple of times a month we will have some live music out here,” Emerson said. “We’re hoping to expand our outdoor space as well.”
Along with pizza, the restaurant features four starter items and four dessert options. Draft beer, canned beer and White Claws are available along with a large selection of wine. Customers should be on the lookout for a new addition to the menu: lasagna.
Podunk Pizza is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Podunk Pizza is located at 630 E. Birch Ave. in La Center.
For more information, go online to podunkpizza.com and or head to Podunk Pizza Co.’s self-titled Facebook page.
