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5 Secrets Behind Wedgewood Pizza In Howland: Why This Ohio Icon Is Still A Must-Visit In 2025

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For decades, Wedgewood Pizza has been more than just a pizzeria; it’s a culinary landmark deeply woven into the fabric of the Mahoning Valley and a source of immense regional pride. As of December 25, 2025, the Howland, Ohio location—often referred to as Wedgewood Fernando's Pizza—continues this celebrated tradition, drawing loyal customers and new visitors alike with its iconic, handcrafted pies and commitment to the original 1967 recipes. This article delves into the unique elements that make the Howland establishment a vital part of the Wedgewood legacy and a mandatory stop on any Ohio food tour.

The Howland branch, situated in Trumbull County, stands as a testament to the brand's enduring quality, serving up the legendary thin-crust pizzas that have captivated generations. From the moment the dough process begins at 6:00 a.m. each morning, the focus remains on freshness, tradition, and the bold Italian flavors that define this Youngstown-area favorite. The recent inclusion of the Howland location on the updated Trumbull County Italian Food Trail only solidifies its status as a premier dining destination.

The Legacy of Wedgewood Pizza: A Company Profile

Wedgewood Pizza's story is one of classic American success rooted in Italian heritage, beginning in the Mahoning Valley and expanding to serve a broader audience, including the Howland community.

  • Founding Year: 1967
  • Original Founders: Pasquale "Patsy" Acconcia and Gerry Bianco
  • Key Figure/Owner: Fernando Riccioni (helped build the chain and was a beloved figure)
  • Primary Locations: Austintown (Original), Boardman, and Howland, Ohio
  • Signature Style: Thin-crust, square-cut pizza known for its unique flavor profile.
  • Regional Significance: A cherished Youngstown/Mahoning Valley tradition.
  • Howland Location Name: Often cited as Wedgewood Fernando's Pizza, honoring the late owner.
  • Howland Address: 8250 High St. NE, Howland, OH.

The company was founded by two friends from Italy, Patsy Acconcia and Gerry Bianco, who brought their authentic recipes and passion for quality to Ohio. Fernando Riccioni, who passed away recently, was instrumental in expanding and building the 55-year-old local chain, ensuring the traditional recipes were maintained across all locations. The Howland establishment, therefore, carries the torch of this rich, family-run history.

Unpacking the Howland Experience: More Than Just Pizza

The Wedgewood location in Howland Township offers a complete dining experience that goes beyond a simple carry-out operation. It has become a community hub for those seeking the authentic Mahoning Valley taste in Trumbull County.

1. The Famous Brier Hill-Style Pie and Unique Toppings

While the classic pepperoni pie is a staple, Wedgewood is most famous for its unique regional specialties. The Howland menu features the iconic Brier Hill-style pie, a pizza that pays homage to the Italian-American neighborhood of Brier Hill in Youngstown. This pie is traditionally topped with a simple, sweet tomato sauce, green bell peppers, and a generous layer of Romano cheese, often eschewing the traditional mozzarella.

But the innovation doesn't stop there. Wedgewood is also known for its more unusual, yet beloved, toppings, including a potato topping option that speaks to the unique culinary landscape of the area. The menu extends to other Italian favorites, ensuring a comprehensive meal: calzones, fresh salads, and wings are all handcrafted and prepared with the same attention to detail as the pizzas.

The commitment to quality is evident in the preparation. The dough is made fresh every morning, and the pizzas are made to order, ensuring every pie that leaves the Howland kitchen delivers the consistent, quality taste that has been a tradition since 1967.

2. The Howland Location Amenities and Accessibility

The Howland branch is designed for comfort and convenience, distinguishing itself with several customer-friendly features:

  • Dining Area: Unlike some smaller pizza shops, the Howland location provides a comfortable dining area for those who prefer to eat in.
  • Payment Options: The location accepts both credit and debit cards, offering flexibility to customers.
  • Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi Hotspot is available, making it a convenient spot for a quick lunch or a casual family dinner.
  • Operating Hours: The dining room typically closes at 8:30 p.m., with the last call for orders usually 30 minutes prior. It's always advisable to check the latest hours, especially around holidays.

The Howland location is easily accessible, situated in a complex near other key Howland landmarks, making it a central point for residents of Warren and Trumbull County.

Wedgewood's Enduring Topical Authority in Ohio Cuisine

The enduring popularity of Wedgewood Pizza, specifically the Howland location, is a testament to its strong topical authority in the regional cuisine space. It's not just a restaurant; it's a cultural entity.

3. A Key Stop on the Trumbull County Italian Food Trail

In a major update for 2025, Wedgewood Fernando's Pizza in Howland has been prominently featured on the updated Trumbull County Italian Food Trail. This inclusion is a significant honor, recognizing the pizzeria as a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich Italian-American culinary heritage of Northeast Ohio. The trail highlights businesses that serve bold Italian flavors and maintain traditional methods, a perfect description of the Wedgewood ethos.

4. The Secret to the Dough and Sauce

The secret to Wedgewood's unique taste lies in its unwavering adherence to its original preparation process. The dough is not pre-made or frozen; it is prepared fresh every morning, a process that starts before dawn. This commitment to fresh, daily-made dough provides the perfect foundation for their signature thin-crust texture. Furthermore, the sauce—a closely guarded family recipe—is the key component that gives the pizza its distinct, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor profile, which customers say is instantly recognizable.

This dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques is what allows Wedgewood to maintain a loyal following, even as new pizza places open in the area. The taste is a nostalgic one for many, linking them back to childhood memories and family traditions in the Mahoning Valley.

5. The Fernando Riccioni Legacy and Future Outlook

The passing of owner Fernando Riccioni was a major loss for the Mahoning Valley food scene, but his influence continues to shape the brand. By keeping the name Wedgewood Fernando's Pizza at the Howland location, the family and team honor his commitment to quality and community. This continuity is a crucial aspect of the brand's stability and future. The chain continues to operate as a family-run business, dedicated to upholding the standards set over the last five decades. For Howland residents and visitors, this means the quality and flavor they have come to expect are secure, ensuring that the Wedgewood experience remains a timeless classic for years to come.

Whether you're a lifelong Mahoning Valley resident or a curious traveler exploring the Trumbull County Italian Food Trail, a visit to Wedgewood Pizza in Howland offers a slice of Ohio history on a plate. Be sure to try the Brier Hill pie—it’s the taste that defines the tradition.

5 Secrets Behind Wedgewood Pizza in Howland: Why This Ohio Icon is Still a Must-Visit in 2025
wedgewood pizza in howland
wedgewood pizza in howland

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