(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The closing of a Chicago-style pizza restaurant in downstate Charleston after the death of its owner brings an end to a pizza odyssey that began decades ago the suburbs.
Jim Doppelhammer's pizza career began in 1977 when he worked as weekend manager at Tony's Pizzeria in Bellwood. In 1981, he opened Pioneer Pizza in Bloomingdale, which he sold in 1986 when he moved out of state for a job opportunity.
He and his wife, Ava, opened Windy City Pizza in Conway, Arkansas in 1994 and sold that before moving to her hometown of Charleston, home of Eastern Illinois University. There, they opened the new Windy City Pizza, serving every style of pie, from thin crust to deep dish and stuffed pizza.
Tanner Mitts, general manager of the Charleston restaurant, says his boss never lost his dedication to serving genuine Chicago pizza.
“He will not let you change anything. So, he’s definitely set in his ways – his way or the highway,” Mitts said. “It did well, so I’m sure his way was pretty good.”
Doppelhammer died this week from cancer.
Windy City Pizza was scheduled to close permanently Thursday night.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok