Eatery serving pan pizzas and stuffed cookies opens its doors in Gahanna

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – An eatery known for its pan pizzas and stuffed cookies recently opened its doors in Gahanna. 

Pizza Nerds began welcoming customers at 1376 Cherry Bottom Road on Dec. 19. The pizzeria announced in July it would be relocating to Gahanna from its debut location at 2050 Cherry Valley Road in Newark, which opened in 2022. Co-owner Brent Gargasz said complications with a co-tenant in Newark led to Pizza Nerds making the move.

The restaurant's first week open in Gahanna presented some challenges, due to issues with online ordering that resulted in long wait times for some, Gargasz said. He added that changes have since been made to ensure smoother service. 

“We’re so excited to be serving Gahanna,” Gargasz said. “The customers have been incredibly kind. It feels like home for us.” 

Pizza Nerds serves what Gargasz describes as his own take on Detroit-style pizza, featuring edge-to-edge cheese, sauce on top of the cheese and toppings. The pizzeria is also known for its cookies stuffed with fillings such as chocolate and icing.

After moving to Gahanna, the pizzeria also added a thin crust pizza to its menu -- similar to a New York-style pie -- that Gargasz said has been a “big hit.”

The pizzeria contains 25 seats for dining in. It also offers delivery through DoorDash and takeout.

Pizza Nerds is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gargasz said its hours will eventually be extended to include lunch. The pizzeria will be closed on New Year's Day.