Family-Owned Pizzeria Opens in Downtown Tampa With Chicago Deep-Dish

Tampa Pizza Company has opened at 777 North Ashley Drive. The Khouri family runs this spot after relocating from Chicago, bringing deep-dish pies to the city.

Tonia Khouri and her husband operate the place with their two sons. "Tampa Pizza is a family-owned pizzeria but also a restaurant ... really, we have something for everyone here," said Tonia Khouri, according to FOX 13.

Why Tampa? Growth. People. The family saw opportunity in both. "Tampa is a great city. The people are wonderful here. We love it here," she said. "We chose Tampa because it is a growing city and the people are wonderful."

Chicago-style slices dominate the menu, each one thick enough to qualify as a full meal on its own. "We brought Chicago-style pizza here to Tampa. It's very thick, deep dish," she said. "It's wonderful for a quick lunch or a quick dinner. And it's really just one slice is all you need, it's a whole meal."

Items include pop references like the Ricky Bobby. This pie features Alabama White Sauce with cheese, shredded chicken, diced tomato, and Parmesan. The menu references "Shake and Bake" next to this option.

"Everything on our menu is baked, not fried," said Tonia Khouri. "So people love our wings 'cause it's a healthy alternative. It's really gourmet food but in a comfortable, non-putting-off atmosphere."

The staff? Family. The owners' sons work there, and other workers get treated like kin. "We're family-owned, our two sons work with us, and our employees are like our family," she said.

The pizzeria sits across from the Riverwalk. Its entrance faces Zack Street in Suite C.

"We have indoor and lots of outdoor seating," said Tonia Khouri. "We are centrally located in downtown Tampa."

Weather permits outdoor dining most days. December temps hover in the 70s, making patio seating a viable choice during lunch and dinner.