The History of Fat Jack's Pizza

At the age of 17, Dave Boyles started working at South Dixie Pizza Chef (better known as the "Hut"). The owner, Wesley "Bud" Warwick, owned all of the Pizza Chefs in Lima and the surrounding towns. Dave was still in high school. After graduation, Dave continued to work at the "Hut" while attending OSU Branch-Lima as well as always maintaining another full-time job. After the death of his mother in 1973, college had to be moved down on the priorities list. Dave continued working at the "Hut" full time while also working full time at jobs such as Lima Register and Agrico. In September of 1975, Dave Boyles and Bud Warwick formed a partnership; thus the very beginning of Fat Jack's Pizza. At the age of 21, Dave was going into business for himself.

Growing Fat Jack's Pizza

In December of 1975, Dave married Linda Kissel and later that same month, Fat Jack's Pizza opened at 801 Findlay Rd. Lima, Ohio. Fat Jack's Pizza offered pizza, subs, salads, BBQ Ribs and Chicken along with a full line of party supplies and beverages for carryout only. We started with five employees and we were open seven days a week. The name for the new operation was a tribute to our longtime friend and manager of Elmview Pizza, "Fat Jack" Lyman. Although he was not an owner Jack was pleased to see his name "in lights" on the new store. In the first year, we grossed $140,000 and showed a small profit. Dave bought Bud's half of the business in early 1977 as Bud pursued different interests. In 1978, an addition that doubled the size of the building was completed. The business prospered and grew each year.

In July of 1982, Fat Jack's Pizza opened a second location at 1806 N. West St. This store offered both carry out and dine in services. We started with fourteen employees and maintained the same hours (10 am to 1 am, seven days a week).

Continuing the Legacy

Today, Fat Jack's Pizza offers three locations to the Lima Area: 801 Findlay Road is a carryout only operation that has a full time of party supplies. Ohio Lottery is sold here as well. 1806 N. West Street and 2340 Spencerville Road are carryout and dine-in facilities. Both locations offer televisions for sports enthusiasts along with KENO screens for anyone wanting to try their luck with the lottery. Our customers can also enjoy Ohio Lottery scratch-off tickets while they are waiting on their food. Looking for a game of darts? Our West Street location features two steel tip dartboards in our dart room area. Had a long day at the office? Come and enjoy an ice-cold beer in our pub room exclusively at Spencerville Road. Both locations also carry a full line of party supplies along with all your Ohio Lottery needs.

Fat Jack's Pizza has been recognized as the "Lima News Best of the Region" place for pizza for the last 14 years. We have also been named for 7 years running as one of the "Hot 100 Independents" by Pizza Today, a national pizza industry publication.

Fat Jack's Pizza is a service-oriented business. That service starts directly with the employees. Over the years we have managed to retain some excellent employees. Years of service from some of our employees rack up a number that is almost unheard of in the food industry. One of our main goals (and biggest challenges) is to find and retain high-quality employees. We have been able to accomplish this by offering paid vacations, 401k, insurance, attendance bonuses, year-end bonuses; along with above-average pay scales for the food industry. Fat Jack's Pizza was one of the first independent foodservice operations to offer a full employee participatory 401k with employer match. We have 98% participation in our plan (which are phenomenal numbers in any industry).

Service, consistency, and high-quality ingredients have been the recipe for our success. We would like to thank everyone for his or her loyal patronage and support throughout the years.

Dave and Linda Boyles

Nick, Greg, and Julie

Start your order today. Call one of our three locations and we'll be happy to serve you!