240. Midwest Pizzeria of the Year: Old Scratch Pizza (Dayton, Ohio)

The Hot Slice

Old Scratch Pizza in Dayton, Ohio, had a huge year in 2024. The Dayton pizza company opened its fourth location in a revitalized fire station. And in November, the pizzeria took home three Pizza Today PIE Awards: Pizzeria of the Year – Midwest Region, Most Interesting Menu and Most Unique Pizzeria Location.

We sat down with owner and founder Eric Soller and Executive Chef Josh Swinford to find out more about the red-hot pizza company. We talk about the pizzeria’s employee-centric approach, it’s Midwest Neapolitan-ish pizza, logistics of its growth, what real estate works for the concept, scratch menu, commissary and more.

Learn more about at Old Scratch Pizza at https://www.oldscratchpizza.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/oldscratchpizza/.

More on Old Scratch Pizza from a release:

Established in 2016, Old Scratch Pizza has become synonymous with exceptional pizza, creative wood-fired vegetables, and a large selection of regional craft beers. With a focus on quality, hospitality, and innovation, Old Scratch strives to be a local and regional restaurant community leader. Old Scratch currently has four locations in Southwestern Ohio - Downtown Dayton, Centerville, Beavercreek, and Troy.

Rooted in the classic Neapolitan style pizza, Old Scratch pizzas redefine tradition in a “Midwesternly Neapolitan” style. While still serving classics like the Margherita or Prosciutto Arugula, many of their pizzas feature more familiar ingredients like pepperoni, bacon, or the signature housemade hot honey. Wood-fired roasted vegetables, not-your-average salads, and 20 rotating taps of local craft beer round out the menu offerings.

The original Old Scratch Pizza was opened in 2016 by owners Eric and Stephanie Soller in a converted mechanic’s garage in Downtown Dayton, OH, and the concept has since grown to include locations in Centerville, Beavercreek, and Troy, Ohio. Every restaurant has a distinct visual identity, celebrating its roots while remaining faithful to the essence of Old Scratch. All of their locations offer an open kitchen and communal "beer hall" style seating, creating a shared space where guests can connect with family and friends, embodying the spirit of the Old Scratch community.