ST. GEORGE — Step off the sidewalk into Roy’s Pizza and your taste buds will buzz. You just can’t evade the smells of baked bread and tangy fresh herbs. Fortunately, French bread with a melted layer of zesty, garlic-infused mozzarella will satisfy your salivation while you wait for a handmade pizza.
Nearby Harmon’s Grocery on 700 South in St. George stands Roy’s Pizza and Pasta, a quintessential hometown pizza joint that’s been deeply rooted in Utah for 28 years. Roy’s is owned and operated by a father and two sons who grew up in a pizza family, always making pizza.
“Family always worked and family always ran it,” Roy’s Co-owner and General Manager Nolan Crouch said.
The Crouches have perfected their pizza which is made with fresh ingredients and handmade, original recipe sauces; they even fresh-grate their whole milk mozzarella cheese.
Taste Roy’s recipe and you will see why they compete with St. George’s other beloved pizza establishments. In fact, since opening this new location in St. George in 2013 – an offshoot from their main restaurant in Ephraim – they’ve already converted many locals.
For 28 years, Roy’s has focused on nothing but pizza. In fact, until the last few years, they hardly had any menu items besides pizza. A few years back they saw a need to have alternatives for those nonpizza eaters out there and brought on things like pasta, salad, and hot Italian subs to the menu. Still, making pizza is their gift to the world.
And they stand by their pizza. Roy’s doesn’t believe in gimmicks. “We don’t need a stuffed crust to get people in,” Crouch said. “Our original pizza is better than any other.”
Although you are more than welcome to take order suggestions like the sweet, tangy pineapple and barbeque sauce-laden “Hawaiian cowboy,” Roy’s theory has always been that it is best to make people whatever they want. Referring to their extensive list of ingredients – even many high-end additions like green olives and artichokes – Crouch said: “Whatever you like … we have it.”
Roy’s specifically branched out to St. George because they wanted to share their taste with a midsized city that still has a hometown feel. “We have this small-town restaurant, but we’re trying to branch out,” Crouch said.
For 20 years Roy and Kathrine Crouch operated Fat Jack’s Pizza in Ephraim Utah. After a family discussion they decided to not renew their franchise agreement and go it on their own.
This pizza establishment has always drawn high volume traffic to those living in or visiting Ephraim.
“You go to the (Ephraim) area and the top destinations are probably the Manti temple, Snow College, and then … Roy’s Pizza and Pasta,” Crouch said.
This location is perfect for many Southern Utahns who already loved Roy’s before they opened this location. Dixie State and Snow College were major rivals for decades, and Roy’s was the designated after-game chow stop before the Dixie train headed south.
“We were always slammed after Dixie games,” Crouch said. Before beginning the trip home, travellers would always stop for Pizza.
Now, Southern Utahns don’t even need to leave the city to get their Roy’s fix. To experience this fresh, handmade pizza, stop by their restaurant at 1013 E., 700 South – the old Basila’s building – before word spreads of the deliciousness and you can’t get seated. Yes, it’s that good!
One-year anniversary celebration
- From 5-8 p.m., Roy’s will have an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet
- Cost: Adults: $10, Kids ages 7-12: $5, Kids ages 0-6: Free
- The first 50 paying customers will also receive a free Roy’s t-shirt
- When: Friday, Jan. 31, 5-8 p.m.
- Where: Roy’s St. George location, 1013 E., 700 South
More details
- Don’t forget, Roy’s delivers! Call 435-673-8222
- Like Roy’s Facebook page for consistent specials
- Address: 1013 E., 700 South – the old Basila’s building
- Click here for Roy’s menu
A D V E R T O R I A L
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.
Their mozzarella sticks really are great as is their combo pizza! Hopefully they can stay in business. The one in Ephraim is a family tradition. Keep up the good work!
Are you kidding me?! I seriously dream about their food! I drool just thinking about it! I wish I had known they were in St. George earlier!