07/02/2026
The Story Behind Ryder’s Pizza
Before there was Ryder’s Pizza, there was a place that generations of Waukon residents knew simply as **Red Ryder’s Tavern**.
In 1955, Don Ryder (Grandfather) purchased the tavern in downtown Waukon. A few months later, after marrying his wife Janette (Grandmother), the couple made Waukon their home and began building more than just a business—they created a gathering place for the community.
For 17 years, Red Ryder’s Tavern became a local tradition. Families stopped in for ice cream and hand-spun malts. Friends gathered around tables for euchre games that stretched into the evening. On special occasions, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, the tavern came alive with music, dancing, laughter, and neighbors catching up with one another.
What made Red Ryder’s special wasn’t just what was served—it was the feeling people found inside. It was a place where everyone was welcome, where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and memories were made.
Though the original tavern eventually closed, the Ryder name never disappeared from Waukon’s story. Decades later, that same spirit of community, hospitality, and bringing people together inspired a new chapter.
**Ryder’s Pizza was created to honor that legacy.**
Today, every pizza carries a piece of that history—a reminder of the family business that helped bring people together in downtown Waukon all those years ago. While the menu may have changed from malts and ice cream to handcrafted pizzas, the mission remains the same:
**Serve great food, welcome everyone like family, and create a place where memories are made.**
From Red Ryder’s Tavern to Ryder’s Pizza — built on tradition, family, and community since 1955.
