About Us
“Pappo" Chris had a wealth of pizza-making experience and an insatiable passion to craft unparalleled pizza that would take things to the next level. He recognized a gap in the US pizza market - a void of something truly fresh and real that would elevate pizza from cheaply made fast food to a quality dining experience with amazing Customer driven service in a fun and interesting environment.Pappo's passion for exceptional pizza and fresh, natural ingredients was deeply influenced by his Italian family and their rich culinary heritage. His mother Joan passed down a 5th generation recipe for her mouth-watering meatballs, which are still savored at PaPPo's today. Pappo's approach to food is also greatly shaped by Joan's emphasis on subtle, natural flavors. Meanwhile, Pappo's father, Richard instilled in him a love for good food and the art of baking bread from scratch, a skill that is reflected in the fresh-baked bread served at PaPPo's. With such a strong culinary lineage, it's no wonder that Pappo's pizzas and dishes are bursting with authentic Italian flavors and made with only the freshest ingredients.
Fast forward to today, Pappo has come a long way from owning pizza franchises and other restaurant concepts. He became disillusioned with the food industry's approach to producing pre-prepared food with tons of additives just to cut costs and maximize convenience. He realized that there was a need for a higher quality pizza that was stonebaked, handcrafted, and made with only the finest and freshest ingredients. With this in mind, Pappo brought his Italian family's tradition of crafting pizza with care and passion into the business, creating a cool and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for savoring your favorite pizza. Pappo's vision was own local pizzeria and pub that was an experience including a fun and eclectic environment that Customers could feel welcome for everyday dining or to celebrate life events or to watch their favorite team on the big screens. He also wanted a place where the Management Staff and Employees could make a good living and would be extremely proud of where they worked. And if that wasn't enough, he added a large selection Craft Beer to the mix, making PaPPo's not just a crowd pleaser, but an award-winning concept that has become one of the fastest growing restaurant concepts. At PaPPo's we say, "We keep it real...We keep it Fresh!" That continues to be Pappo Chris' commitment after celebrating 10 years in business in 2022.
The Beginning
PaPPo's™ made its debut in 2012, at the heart of downtown Springfield, Mo at 221 East Walnut. From the get-go, it was a winner - taking home the prestigious award for Best Pizza at both the Pizza Bowl and MSU Students. It was a hit with locals and visitors alike, who couldn't get enough of the stonebaked, handcrafted pizza made with only the freshest ingredients. And as PaPPo's popularity grew, so did its success. Expansion began in 2014, with the opening of a location at Lake of the Ozarks, which quickly became a favorite among pizza lovers. With accolades pouring in - including Best Pizza, Best Wings, Best Pub, Best Sub Sandwiches, Silver Spoon Awards for Best Pizza, Best of Missouri, and a #1 ranking on TripAdvisor for 8 straight years - PaPPo's has truly become an award-winning sensation that continues to captivate taste buds and delight foodies everywhere."
Get ready for PaPPo's Pizzeria takeover! With a rapidly growing fan base, PaPPo's is expanding to new locations across the Midwest and South. From the original award-winning location in downtown Springfield, Mo. PaPPo's has now opened additional locations in Fairview Heights IL, Columbia MO, St Robert Mo, Huntsville AL, Jefferson City Mo and Branson, MO! More locations are opening soon in Camdenton, MO. With our new franchise location in Lee’s Summit, MO. PaPPo's has a dynamic and robust Management Program which can result with Managers owning their own PaPPo's Franchise. PaPPo's is actively seeking qualified individuals for franchising and scouting for excellent corporate locations. Join the PaPPo's Pizzeria and Pub revolution and experience what all the buzz is about! At PaPPo’s™ ‘'we keep it real…we keep it fresh” Look for a PaPPo's to open soon near you! Cheers!"
