Lincoln Place pizzeria owner passes the torch

Current Pizza Stop owner Amanda Thomas (left) and previous owner Julie Hornak, stand in front of the restaurant’s order counter on Feb. 23. Photo by MaryAnn Majcher

Pizza Stop under new ownership will keep traditional recipes while expanding menu

By MaryAnn Majcher

For 20 years, Julie Hornak has delighted the residents of Lincoln Place and surrounding area with her delectable pizzas, hoagies, salads and “flips.” Flips are pizzas stuffed with Italian meats, steak, meatballs, hot sausage or veggies, then folded and baked. Ms. Hornak has managed then owned the Pizza Stop, Lincoln Place’s pizzeria, since 2005, she said during an interview at Pizza Stop on Feb. 23.

The storefront at 1315 Mifflin Road has been serving pizzas for over four decades. Residents may remember Pat’s Pizza, owned by Pat Lauso. Vicky Dever, from the ice cream shop Del’s, purchased the business from Pat and kept the same recipes. Ms. Dever hired Ms. Hornak in 2005 to manage what is now Pizza Stop. In 2007, Ms. Hornak bought the business, once again keeping the same recipes.

When Ms. Hornak started to contemplate the next chapter of her life, she knew she just couldn’t abandon the business and leave the neighborhood without this restaurant, she said. The search began for a new owner who would keep the same traditions. With the help of her realtor, they began looking for a new owner who would be a perfect fit for this business. After a few months, Ms. Hornak found her successor.

Welcome, Amanda Thomas. Ms. Thomas has over 25 years’ experience. She has worked as district manager for both Little Caesar’s and Pizza Hut, she said while sitting with Ms. Hornak at Pizza Stop on Feb. 23. She knows the restaurant business and pizza.

Like the previous owners of the Pizza Stop, she kept the original recipes. But Ms. Thomas is adding her own flair by expanding the menu. She started by adding an extra-large 18-inch round 16-cut pizza. Two new menu items include a steak ranchero hoagie and pierogi pizza. She is enhancing two existing items, the buffalo chicken hoagie and pizza, by adding buffalo waffle fries to them.

Ms. Hornak and Ms. Thomas want everyone to know that the flips and the Italian hoagie with dill pickles are staying the same. There are always meatless items on the menu: veggie pizza, fried fish sandwich and eggplant parm.

During Lent, the Pizza Stop adds fish dinner specials with sides that include haluski, coleslaw, pierogi and mac and cheese. Ms. Thomas is keeping this tradition. She is also adding desserts, which will include single-serving tiramisu, cannoli and cheesecake.

The Pizza Stop is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and closed Monday. Menu items can be ordered for pick-up or delivery. There is also dine-in seating for 20 customers. Plenty of parking is available in front, on the side and behind the building.

To order, call 412-461-5455, visit thepizzastop.net or use the Slice app or DoorDash. Delivery is available within a 5-mile radius for phone, website or Slice orders. DoorDash delivers within a 20-mile radius. All major credit cards are accepted, including Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Check out Pizza Stop and enjoy the delicious usual or new menu items. I personally can’t wait to try the pierogi pizza. They’re one of my favorites.

MaryAnn Majcher is a retired business analyst, avid reader, culinary enthusiast and six-word story contributor who lives in Lincoln Place and enjoys being a home horticulturist.