National Pizza Day at Tony's Pizza & Grinders

Each year on February 9^th, Americans celebrate National Pizza Day. National Pizza Day is a day where pizza is acknowledged and revered. Pizza is a dish of Italian origin consisting of a flat, round base of dough, traditionally baked with a topping of tomato sauce and cheese with added meat and veggies. In honor of this American tradition, this year I visited Tony’s Pizza & Grinders located at 10330 Blackhawk Blvd in Houston, TX. 

Family Food & Friends

Tony’s Pizza & Grinders represents family, food, and friends. Customers are affectionately known as neighbors, and all age groups are welcome. When entering the dining area, it certainly felt like home. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a traditional and classic Italian pizzeria. Owners John and Karen Paz are carrying on the culture of excellent food and outstanding customer service. The Paz’s purchased the business from the previous owners last year. 

Faithful neighbor John Meeks stopped by for lunch on National Pizza Day. John has been a loyal patron through the business transition. “The food and service are the same. Good before and good still,” John said. 

 

What’s the secret to a successful hand in hand transition? “The menu is exactly the same and the recipes haven’t changed.” explained Karen. “We are dedicated to great customer service. We’re family owned so we pitch in whenever we are needed. We are always ready to serve.” 

What is a grinder? 

The term “grinder” is most heard in New England, but its origin has several possibilities. Some say “grinder” is an Italian American slang for a dock worker, among whom the sandwich was popular. Others say that it was called a grinder because the bread's hard crust required much chewing. Prior to visiting Tony’s, I was completely oblivious to the term grinder. It was clear that I would not be leaving without tasting one for myself. 

 

Each grinder is sandwiched between fresh homemade bread and served with your choice of chips. I tried the Chicken Club grinder, topped with chicken, fresh lettuce and tomato, ranch, crisp bacon and 100% cheese. The first bite was a fusion of flavor blossoming over my tastebuds. The fresh bread was crusty, hot, and baked perfectly. Tony’s has 10 unique grinders to choose from on the menu. The 6” grinders are $6.50. If you are unfamiliar with grinders, I urge you to come to Tony’s and try one today!

 

 

Tony’s Pride

After sampling the grinder, it was time to indulge in the pizza. With a wall-to-wall menu of one-of-a-kind pizzas, grinders, calzones, wings, pastas, salads, and desserts, how could one choose? My advice is to go for the family favorite. The #1 bestselling pizza is the Tony’s Pride. It’s topped with pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushroom, green pepper, red onion, black olive, and of course 100% cheese. The combination of fresh toppings and thin, crunchy, hand tossed dough made me realize what made Tony so proud. 

Locally Owned & Grown

Other reasons to be proud include the use of only the freshest finest ingredients available. Tony’s dough is made in house using traditional pizza flours and techniques. The team shops at local farmers market for products and uses organic produce as much as possible. I can attest to this, as I personally opened the door for Karen as she carried in fresh produce to replenish the kitchen.

Tony’s Pizza Day & Night

If you missed National Pizza Day, you don’t have to wait until next year to celebrate. Place an order now at tonyspizzaandgrinders.com. You can also purchase Tony’s merch, gourmet pasta sauce, ready to cook pastas, and Tony’s famous pizza sauce to go! Better yet, plan a pizza night out at Tony’s Pizza & Grinders as a neighbor and join the family.