Since 1969, The Original PJ’s Pizza has been serving delicious carryout-style pizza, wings, pasta, and salads to Ohio Valley residents. The Original PJs Pizza Origin Story
Jack and Pat Welch found The Original PJs Pizza in 1969, and it becomes the first carryout-style pizza and sandwich shop in New Martinsville at the 495 Third Street location. A few years later, Dan and Nancy Welch take over th
e business from their parents, and over decades make it New Martinsville's favorite locally owned pizza shop. An iconic first stop for people coming home for the holidays, they make sure to provide the PJ's Pizza experience these have enjoyed since childhood. Erika and Rob Donaghy loved The Original PJ's Pizza right from the start, so when Dan Welch decided to drop the pizza peel and pick up the bass fishing rod, they were excited to take over. As Dan Welch puts it: "I hand-picked Rob because of his tenacity, extensive background in the food industry, and willingness to work hard. I think Rob will take PJ's to the next level. I believe in him." The recipes and ingredients the Welch's have used are beloved for decades. And the Donaghys honor the PJ's traditions: They've kept the original pizza sauce - a promise held dear - and the hand-pulled Italian sausage. Just as in the PJ's beginnings, the raw sausage goes straight on the pizza. When it cooks, all the fats go into the crusts, making a real difference. They also commit to using only top ingredients - no compromise! Menu favorites include PJ's Special, a pizza with pepperoni, onions, green peppers, hot peppers, sausage, and a special seasoning called "The Shake," and the PJ's Works, a pizza fully loaded with green peppers, hot peppers, onions, black and green olives, mushrooms, ham, sausage, and pepperoni. All pizzas come in three crust options: Traditional, New York-style, or gluten-free. Don't order the PJ's Works New York-style, though," Erika warns, "because we don't skimp. That pizza is loaded." A great team of employees prepares the orders. Their experience and expertise contribute to the great taste of all offerings, leaving the customer well satisfied. And should there be any worry, you know the family promise still stands: "We'll make it right!"
While their pizza-making honors time-proven methods and processes, the new owners invited progress by introducing a straightforward online ordering option through the www.originalpjspizza.com website. The mouthwatering pizza, pasta, subs, wedgies, and chicken wings are now just one click away. Satisfaction guaranteed, and all synchronized with the in-store point of sale and the kitchen make-line. It's a brave new world; why conquer it hungry? As the COVID-19 pandemic strikes in 2020, Erika and Rob Donagy respond quickly and start preparing for the worst. They implement plastic barriers and social distancing rules, sanitize high-touch points frequently, and require masks as soon as they can provide them for staff and customers. Early on, Erika sewed masks for all employees because they were not readily available at first. As a result, the community rewards them with their continued business during challenging times. The Donaghys add pasta dishes and expand the menu with salad and chicken wing offerings - readily available on the touchless online or single-use printed menus to offer additional food options. And, as the need to feed many gets apparent, they add catering size ordering options. In addition, the owners have shown solidarity with community heroes throughout the pandemic, often offering free pizza to first responders, community organizers, and public events. Managing a business during a global health crisis is not easy - but the owners do so by organizing, training, and over-preparing their staff and coordinating with supply chain members to serve their customers. Due diligence, an eye for waste reduction, uncompromising quality, and a declared plan to stick to their guns - not reinventing the proverbial wheel but making sure it constantly spins in a forward motion.
2021 brings exciting news with the prospect of growth: The Donaghys purchase Moundsville's Varsity Pizzeria on West Virginia's Route 2 and reopen it as The Original PJ's Varsity Pizza. The restaurant offers sit-down, carry-out, and delivery - flexibility the customers do cherish. In addition, they have expanded the indoor area, offering many socially distanced seating options. While COVID-19 remains, the owners provide curbside pickup slots for convenient and easy access and the freshest food possible. The new owners keep a lot of the same menu items at the new location, blending the two menus: Many Varsity favorites and many of the Original PJ's choices, and of course the homemade bread - a clear favorite - along with the Varsity pasta dishes. "It's a nice neighborhood back here, in a nice town," says Erika Donagy. What's next for The Original PJ's Pizza? In early 2022, they will launch the Original PJs Pizza app for iPhone and Android in early 2022 - offering the familiar dishes and sides just a tap away from the convenience of your mobile phone. Are you hungry yet? Don't hesitate to reach out to Erika and Rob Donagy. Whether you're in New Martinsville or Moundsville, you're welcome as part of the PJ's family - and we'll be happy to serve you 'A Slice of Hometown!'
