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This New Smyrna Beach Pizzeria Serves Grandma’s 1967 Recipe With A Rock ‘N’ Roll Twist

Published: July 2, 2025

Four different pizzas on one sheet pan sounds impossible until you discover the genius behind Panheads Pizzeria’s famous Pizza Flight. Brother and sister duo carry on their grandmother Mabel’s pizza legacy from her original 1967 Clearfield, Pennsylvania pizzeria, but with a decidedly modern Florida flair.

Even the bricks from grandma Mabel’s original pizza oven were incorporated into the restaurant’s current setup, making this historic downtown New Smyrna Beach spot a true family treasure.

Chef Eric Ross caught the attention of Food Network’s Guy Fieri and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but locals knew about this hidden gem long before it hit national television.

You’ll taste the difference immediately – everything from the dough to the sauce to their signature cheese blend is made completely from scratch using recipes passed down through generations.

Menu Highlights

Pizza Flight: The restaurant’s signature concept lets you sample four different specialty pizzas on one large sheet pan. This genius idea allows groups to try multiple flavors without committing to full pizzas, making it perfect for indecisive diners or adventurous eaters wanting to explore the menu.

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Paradise City Pizza: This pineapple-topped creation proves that pineapple absolutely belongs on pizza, featuring an awesome crust with the perfect balance of crunch and chew. The combination of sweet pineapple with their homemade sauce creates a flavor profile that converts even the most skeptical pizza purists.

Award-Winning Meatballs: These homemade meatballs won first prize and have been recognized by FloridianView magazine. You can order them in three different preparations: classic marinara with fresh basil and parmesan, teriyaki with green onions and sesame seeds, or buffalo BBQ with blue cheese crumbles – all served with focaccia slices.

Specialty Pizzas with Rock Names: The menu reads like a classic rock playlist with pies named “Nothing But A Good Time,” “White Wedding,” “Dr. Feelgood,” and “Freebird.” Each pizza features unique topping combinations that match their bold names – the Dr. Feelgood comes loaded with baby spinach, broccoli, roma tomatoes, fresh garlic, and ricotta cheese.

Stuffed Jalapeños: These jalapeños are stuffed with sausage and cheese, topped with toasted panko and sweet chili aioli. The jalapeños stay crisp while the panko adds perfect crunchiness, and the aioli provides ideal balance to the heat.

Gnocchi: Chef Ross hand-cuts his freshly made gnocchi using replicas of grandma Mabel’s original rolling pin (the original is signed and kept as a precious keepsake). The gnocchi with butter, bacon and basil is described as “off the hook” and worth the trip to Florida alone.

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Calzones: The calzones are described as “the best ever eaten” with dough and cheese that create a “melt in your mouth” experience. Made with their signature homemade dough and special cheese blend, these are a must-try item.

Atmosphere & Décor

Historic Location: Located in historic downtown New Smyrna Beach on South Orange Street, the restaurant sits in the heart of the Canal Street district, surrounded by the charm of old Florida architecture.

Family-Owned Warmth: This small family-owned operation creates everything from scratch daily – dressings, sauce, dough, cheese blend, pasta, smoked meats, and sausage. The personal touch shows in every detail, from the hand-rolled dough to the carefully crafted cheese blend.

Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers pet-friendly outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying Florida’s beautiful weather while dining on authentic Italian-American cuisine.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Vibe: The restaurant’s rock-themed menu names and overall vibe create a fun, casual atmosphere that appeals to music lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The atmosphere is described as “exotic” with reasonable prices for the quality received.

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Other Considerations

Pricing: Prices are described as reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, with the restaurant falling into the $$ – $$$ range. Personal pizzas are generously sized – what other places might call a “medium” – making them excellent value.

Pizza Flight Value: The unique Pizza Flight option is particularly popular among customers, allowing groups to sample multiple specialty pizzas without ordering several full-size pies.

Portion Sizes: The personal pizzas are described as “ample” with fresh, tasty toppings. You’ll get more food than expected, making the pricing even more reasonable.

Busy Evenings: The restaurant stays busy most nights, with Monday and Wednesday pizza deals packing them in. Consider arriving early or calling ahead during peak times.

Happy Hour Special: The sangria is excellent and discounted during happy hour, making it a perfect time to visit for both food and drinks.

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Takeout & Delivery: They offer take-and-bake pizzas that you can pick up and bake at home when ready, plus traditional takeout and delivery options through various platforms.

Gluten-Free Options: The restaurant offers gluten-free pizza options, accommodating various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Catering Services: Panheads offers comprehensive catering services for all occasions, including meat carving stations and interactive food station bars, making them perfect for special events and corporate functions.


Panheads Pizzeria
📍 113 S Orange St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Writer: Jamie Benson
Contributor

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.