Mike’s Pizza serving up New York-style pies at Deli Ohio

CANTON − Mike's Pizza has become a permanent fixture at Deli Ohio in downtown Canton.

Previously a monthly pop-up at 328 Walnut Ave. NE, the spot specializing in New York-style pies now has a full-time operation.

I sat down this month with Ryan Miller, owner of Deli Ohio, and Mike Carvajal of Mike's Pizza, enjoying a freshly baked pie as we delved into Carvajal's pizza philosophy. Joining us were Adam Longacre, owner of UnHitched Brewing Company, and Micah (eye candy) Dorward of The Dorward Thinking Company, LLC.

Miller and Carvajal co-own Mike’s Pizza.

While Miller, Carvajal and Longacre simply describe themselves as three friends passionate about Stark County, good food and drink, their collaboration goes deeper. Deli Ohio's mission embodies the men's commitment to sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients locally, bolstering the regional economy, and fostering a vibrant community in Canton, Ohio.

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The addition of Mike's Pizza and UnHitched Brewing's Woodshop reflects their joint endeavor to expand Deli Ohio while maintaining a focus on craftsmanship and quality.

Initially invited by Miller to host monthly pop-ups, Mike's Pizza flourished over four years before becoming a permanent establishment, open for dine-in or takeout four days a week.

Carvajal upholds the tradition of bolstering the regional economy by sourcing locally grown basil and Ezzo’s pepperoni from Columbus. He crafts his own sauce and insists on daily dough preparation, utilizing a three-day fermentation process and a spiral mixer for a light, airy texture.

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Originally hailing from West Milford, New York, Carvajal is now a Canton resident. “I began making and sharing pizza with Ryan and other friends from my home in 2019,” he said, “and passed around a lot of comment cards for input because friends are brutally honest.” Trial and error didn’t take too long, as Carvajal knew what he wanted in a true New York-style pizza.

He described the perfect New York style pizza slice.

“To me, the slice has to hold up on its own. When you fold (the slice) in half, the back half cracks. The bottom crust, when the pie is being cut, should have a nice snap to it,” he added. “And yes, the charring on the crust, both edges and bottom, should be a little on the dark side. The cheese on top should also have a nice blister to it.”

Having a slice of Carvajal’s pie was a must, because I’m a Jersey girl and a chef who loves a finely crafted pizza. To meet my criteria, a slice has to be foldable, its outer crust adorned with charred ripples and bubbles that tell a story of artistry. No room for sogginess or excess grease. The foundation needs crispness, and the toppings should be flavorful.

When the Il Pepe − tomato, fresh and aged mozzarella, pepperoni, pecorino and basil − arrived at our table, I removed a slice, folded it, then bit in. Brimming with flavor with a crust that's a testament to skilled fermentation.

While small plates and salads are available, the star of the show is undoubtedly any of the 16-inch, New York-style signature pies with red or white sauce, priced between $16 to $22.

In April, the eagerly awaited Woodshop by UnHitched Brewing Company will join the Fourth Street Collective. Construction has been completed by The Dorward Thinking Company, LLC. Longacre, from UnHitched, is excited about the forthcoming opening.

“Our craft beers at this location will all be fermented for six to 24 months in wood barrels, thus the name Woodshop,” Longacre said. “We’ll offer lagers, a house pilsner, an Italian pilsner perfect with pizza, and (wild yeast) sour beers which are currently not offered at our Louisville location.”

There's more, he said.

"This location will have nine beers on tap and a full liquor license, so we’ll be offering everything from our craft brews to wines to cocktails with many matching flavor profiles that complement Mike’s pizza," he said. "At this point, we are simply awaiting our liquor license.”

Looking ahead, Miller envisions the possibility of a beer garden and Sunday brunch. But for now, patrons can relish breakfast or lunch at Deli Ohio and savor an authentic New York slice at Mike's Pizza, anticipating the opening of Woodshop by UnHitched Brewing Company in late April.

Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.

If you go

WHAT – Mike’s Pizza

WHERE – Inside Deli Ohio, 328 Walnut Ave. NE in Canton.

PHONE – 330-453-7777

WHEN – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Friday; 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Mike's Pizza opens in Deli Ohio. This Stark treasure headed there, too.