In 1924, a young man named Paul Penso left his hometown of Conversano, Italy, a small town outside of Bari, and set out for a new life in the United States. Little did he know that his journey would lead him to become a beloved figure in the Ohio food scene, and his name would forever be associated with one of the oldest pizzerias in the state.

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After arriving in Akron, Ohio, Paul worked in a variety of jobs before settling in Dover, Ohio in the early 1930s. It was there that he began to carve out his legacy with this wife, Mary, first with a business called The South Wooster Grill located on South Wooster Avenue, across from Williams Furniture. The South Wooster Grill quickly became a local favorite, known for its steaks, spaghetti, and lively atmosphere that featured dancing. However, what truly set it apart was a quirky tradition that would make history: free pizza served to patrons without them even knowing what it was.

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Paul, ever the storyteller, would explain to his guests what they were eating, even taking the time to teach them how to say the word "pizza". This was long before pizza became the American staple it is today, and Paul’s infectious enthusiasm for the dish piqued the curiosity of many.

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In 1956, after years of running the popular South Wooster Grill, Paul sold the business and, with his son John, opened Pizza by Penso next door. It was the beginning of a new chapter for the Penso family, and they began to serve their own unique style of pizza—something that would eventually become a fixture in the community.

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Around 1965, the growing pizzeria moved to a new location, a former grocery store just up the street. This new site would eventually become the home of Penso’s Pizza, the restaurant that generations of locals—and even out-of-town visitors—would come to know and love. It’s at this location in Dover where the legacy of Penso's Pizza truly flourished and where Paul’s love for pizza was passed down to future generations.

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Fast forward to 1987, and Penso’s Pizza was still going strong. Now in its third generation under the ownership of John’s son Paul “Kent” Penso, the pizzeria continued to serve the same beloved recipes and warm, welcoming atmosphere that Paul began over six decades ago. In 2023, Kent passed the torch to his son Josh Penso, ensuring the family’s legacy would continue for years to come.

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Penso's has remained a staple in the community, and its reach extends far beyond Dover. Customers from all over the country make the pilgrimage to this iconic pizzeria to taste a slice of history, with many travelers claiming Penso’s pizza is worth the trip alone. The shop, now employing fifth-generation family members, continues to serve pizza to families across generations, ensuring that the Penso tradition lives on.

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In addition to the Dover location, Penso’s Pizza expanded its influence with additional locations. In 1984, John Penso opened a second location in New Philadelphia, Ohio, which is still operating today and owned by his son, John II. Another location opened on Cleveland Avenue South in Canton in 1986, though it has since closed. A Strasburg location opened in 2002 under the ownership of John’s youngest son, Zach, and continues to serve the same delicious pizza to this day.

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The story of Penso's Pizza is a testament to the power of family, tradition, and the enduring love of great food. From Paul’s humble beginnings in Bari, Italy, to the beloved pizzeria that’s been passed down through generations, Penso’s Pizza has stood the test of time, providing joy and delicious memories to countless families in Ohio and beyond.

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As the Penso family continues to serve their signature pizza, they remain committed to the same values that Paul instilled when he first introduced pizza to his customers in the 1930s: quality, community, and tradition. Today, Penso’s Pizza is not just a place to eat—it’s a symbol of family, heritage, and the deep connections that food can create.

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For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Penso's Pizza, there’s no better time to visit and taste the slice of history that has been served up in Dover for nearly 90 years. And for those who have, the legacy of Paul Penso lives on in every bite.