Owner combines love of music with food

While the Valley of the Sun has its fair share of pizza joints, not all are created equal.

And certainly, not all are owned and operated by a 22-year-old entrepreneur, chef and music lover.

That’s where Reel Pizza Pies, 13953 W. Waddell Road, Suite 103 in the Marley Park Shopping Center, comes in.

The new restaurant opened May 20 by serving up some good vibes, along with its fresh-made pizza pies.

Fifty lucky customers received free cheese pizzas on May 22 during an opening promotion.

It’s planning an official grand opening celebration beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20, with pizza tastings, games, prizes and entertainment.

More details will be shared soon at reelpizzapies.com.

As a young teen, Kaleb Copenhaver, chef and owner of Reel Pizza Pies, became passionate about two things — pizza and music.

After years of working at a pizzeria since the age of 16 and flying all over the country trying pizza from restaurants in various regions, Mr. Copenhaver decided to start his own pizza joint that combines his passions — making pizza with the best quality ingredients in a cool and comfortable environment with a great playlist.

“Reel Pizza Pies is a cool place to go with great music and great pizza,” Mr. Copenhaver said of his 1,200-square-foot, 15-seat restaurant that serves slices, whole pies as well as sandwiches and subs via counter-service style. “We set ourselves apart by using the best and freshest ingredients in an energetic and fun environment.”

Some of those ingredients for his New York style thin-crust pizzas and pan-style pizzas include organic flour, fresh mozzarella and organic tomatoes from Bianco.

He also employs an original approach to an authentic classic bread-making process that is the most digestible and best tasting and uses a wild yeast starter which is fermented like sourdough bread.

Mr. Copenhaver has yet another secret weapon in the kitchen — his Italian grandmother’s recipe for meatballs.

Menu options include classic pizza choices — cooked on an Electric Deck Oven, which Mr.Copenhaver calls the “pizza master” — such as cheese, margherita, veggie (with red bell pepper, mushroom and onion), BBQ chicken, white pie, marinara, combo (including pepperoni, sausage and mushroom), and the thick-crust sicilian pan pizza.

Guests can customize their pie or slice with toppings including non-dairy mozzarella and vegan pepperoni. Subs and salads include the Italian Hoagie and the Meatball Hero as well as caesar and antipasta salads. In addition to bottled sodas, guests can enjoy beer or wine along with desserts including cannoli and tiramisu.

Reel Pizza Pies offers delivery services within specific boundaries. The store opens daily at 11 a.m. but is closed Tuesdays.

Visit www.reelpizzapies.com.