THE history of
the brier hill
Brier Hill and Smoky Hollow—two of Youngstown’s most storied Italian neighborhoods—are where this pizza’s story begins. Though Anne and Michael didn’t grow up together, their childhoods mirrored one another in the best ways: family gardens, Sunday suppers, and the unmistakable smell of sauce simmering on the stove.
Each spent their early years with grandparents who had immigrated to the area, helping open canned tomatoes and peppers from backyard harvests. Their grandmother’s version of pizza was simple and deeply rooted in tradition—focaccia-style bread topped with homemade tomato sauce, garden peppers, and sharp Romano cheese. In their households, this wasn’t called Brier Hill pizza. It was just pizza.
The name Brier Hill Pizza would come later. At St. Anthony’s Church in the heart of the Brier Hill neighborhood, a similar style of pizza was served during Friday gatherings. Over time, the pizza became closely associated with the church and the neighborhood itself. And so, the name stuck.
Avalon’s loaded
Brier Hill
At Avalon Downtown Pizzeria in Youngstown, our Brier Hill Pizza is more than a local favorite—it’s a tribute to tradition. Inspired by the iconic style that originated in Youngstown’s Brier Hill neighborhood, this pizza features a thick tomato sauce, roasted peppers, and grated Romano cheese on a focaccia-style crust. No mozzarella, just the classic flavors the neighborhood is known for.
Looking for something with a little more heat? Try our Loaded Brier Hill Pizza, Avalon’s signature twist on the original. We start with the traditional base, then add spicy sausage and hot peppers for a bold, full-flavor upgrade that still stays true to its Youngstown roots.
Whether you’re craving a classic or something with a kick, Avalon Downtown Pizzeria delivers handcrafted Brier Hill pizza—made fresh in the heart of Downtown Youngstown. Dine in, take out, or order online for fast pizza delivery near you.
