A Bigger Piece of the Pie

After 45 years in the same spot, this historic Groveport pizzeria is finally set up in its flashy new home

By Molly Hammond / Photos by Aaron Massey

Story Design by Atlas Biro

Interior, Little Italy

As a produce manager for a local Columbus grocer in the 1950s, Chuck and Janet Ward dreamed of owning their own grocery store one day. On September 4th, 1966, they purchased a local store and renamed it “Chuck’s Little Giant”—what is now known to locals today as Little Italy Ristorante.

Chuck’s Little Giant started out as a downtown staple, selling hand-cut butcher selections, fresh produce and household items. The couple raised their family in a little home next to the grocery store, where friends, family and employees helped define the culture that the locals gush over at Little Italy today.

Little Italy makes all of its pasta, pizza dough, dressings, sauces and meatballs in house every day. The meatballs are a huge hit with the Columbus community and Janet’s recipes continue to shine through in today’s dishes 44 years later.

The local pizza company specializes in bringing the finest, simplest ingredients (including garlic, butter, cream and parmesan) together to create bestselling dishes.

“Our customers love our house-made Alfredo dishes,” says Avery Ward, CEO at Little Italy and grandson of Chuck and Janet. “Our Threezo pizza has become a favorite with the locals and includes two types of pepperoni and sausage from local sausage company, Ezzo.”

Today’s pizza business was not always a part of the Ward family, though. In the 1980s, the family purchased a small pizza shop and while large supermarkets started to push Chuck’s Little Giant out of business, the pizza business was bringing success to the small family. Eventually, Chuck and Janet moved the pizza shop to where Chuck’s Little Giant resided and dove head-first into the pizza-making business.

"Pizza is all about bringing people together"

Interior, Little Italy

Nick Ward, son of Chuck and Janet, took over the business in the late 80s and put the business on a new path for growth. He expanded dine-in and catering options and grew the business as he knew it with the same core values instilled in the business by his parents.

Today, the company remains a favorite in Groveport and beyond. Working with his father Nick, CEO Avery Ward, continues to use the values passed down by his grandparents and father to shape everything he does—from family recipes to giving back to the community.

“Pizza is all about bringing people together when you think about it,” says Avery. “The real fun happens when it’s shared by many—that moment when the pizza is placed on the table and eager hands appear from every direction.”

Success in the pizza business has not always come easily to the local restaurant, though. COVID-19 presented its own set of challenges to the business but also planted ideas of growth in the family’s head.

“We were lucky to be a primary choice for customers during the pandemic, as many wanted to order simple, tasty meals to get by during stay-at-home orders,” explained Avery. “We had already implemented delivery services pre-pandemic, which led us to create systems and processes to keep up with the growth we were experiencing.”

During its pandemic growth, it became clear to the Little Italy staff that more space was needed to accommodate the influx of customers. What was once ample space for his father and grandparents, Avery decided was not cutting it anymore. After 44 years in the same building, Little Italy Ristorante served its last customers and reopened on Super Bowl Sunday in a new building at 480 Main St. in Groveport. The new location is 5,268 square feet and includes outdoor dining, a bar and a hand-dipped ice cream shop.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza & Cheese Ravioli, Little Italy

Partnering with M+A Design, the interior of the new location pays homage to the old store in many areas and pays tribute to the locals and city of Groveport.

“Our community is a huge part of us,” Avery explained. “We know so many people who enter our doors on a first name basis. My dad always told me that the most important thing in business is getting to know your customers. I think that's a major factor that sets us apart. We care tremendously for each of our customers and community, they have truly become a part of our family.”

To view the menu, order ahead, or check restaurant hours, visit littleitalygroveport.com