Some pizza places chase trends, and some simply keep doing the same thing well for generations. On the east side of Columbus, Ohio, one spot has been cutting thin-crust pies into neat little squares for families who first came as kids and now bring their own.
Its crust has a secret that longtime fans can name in a heartbeat, and its weekday lunch spread has quietly built a loyal lunchtime crowd. Keep reading for the story, the signature pies, the best times to go, and a few honest tips that will help you plan a smart and satisfying pizza stop.
A Pizza Address on Lincoln Circle
Every good pizza story needs a starting point, and this one begins at 261 Lincoln Cir, Columbus, OH 43230, in the United States.
The restaurant is Massey’s Pizza – Gahanna, a location of a local pizzeria chain that has a long history in central Ohio. It sits on the Gahanna side of the Columbus area, which gives it a neighborhood feel while staying easy to reach from the wider city.
The business is a pizza restaurant first and foremost. The chain is best known for pepperoni pies, and the menu stretches across a wide range of pizza styles.
Thin crust is the calling card here. Pies come out in the classic square cut that locals have grown up with, which makes them easy to share across a table of friends or a busy family.
Plenty of people treat this spot as their go-to Massey’s, even when another location sits closer to home. Some fans say this is the one branch that gets their order right time after time, and that kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.
So the address is set and the plates are ready. The next question is how a pizza chain earns a place in local hearts for more than seven decades.
Seven Decades of Squares
Back in 1949, the Massey’s name entered the Columbus pizza conversation, and it never really left.
That is a long run in the restaurant world. Many places come and go within a few years, yet this chain has stayed part of local routines across generations.
The Gahanna location carries that legacy forward. Longtime fans describe it as the pizza they grew up on, and some return after decades away hoping to find the same pies they remember from childhood.
That nostalgia is a big part of the appeal. People talk about a classic Midwest pizza style that the chain has refined over the years, and they treat it as a hometown standard rather than a passing fad.
Consistency is the word that comes up again and again. The goal is not to reinvent pizza each season but to keep delivering the version people already love.
Of course, a long history also sets a high bar. When someone returns after thirty years with big expectations, every pie gets measured against a memory, and not every visit clears that bar perfectly.
Still, few restaurants can claim so many regulars who first came here as kids. The real secret, many insist, starts right at the bottom of the crust.
The Cornmeal Clue Beneath Every Slice
Flip a slice over and the answer to a long-running local debate shows up right away.
Cornmeal sits on the bottom of the crust at Massey’s. Devoted fans point to it as the detail that keeps them coming back, and some go as far as calling it the reason the pizza is so hard to stop eating.
On top, the pies carry a noticeable layer of seasoning. That combination gives the crust a firm, sturdy character that stands apart from soft, foldable styles.
Not everyone falls for it. Some diners find the seasoning heavy, and the owner has openly agreed that this firm crust style may not be for everyone.
That kind of honesty is refreshing. Instead of chasing every preference, the kitchen sticks with a crust that has defined the brand for decades.
For people who love a thin, sturdy base, this is exactly the draw. Several fans who otherwise nitpick the details still admit the crust remains great, even on an off day.
Consider it a crust with a point of view. Once the foundation is clear, the square cut on top makes a lot more sense.
Why the Square Cut Matters
Triangles get most of the attention in pizza culture, but central Ohio has long played by its own rules.
Massey’s thin-crust pies arrive cut into squares. The style suits a crust this thin and firm, since smaller pieces hold together well and are easy to grab.
Squares also change how a table eats. Kids can take a small piece, adults can go back for several, and nobody has to fight over the last giant wedge.
The cut makes party ordering simpler too. A few large pies can stretch across a crowd, which helps explain why teams and groups often lean on this spot.
There is a practical charm to it. Edge pieces carry more crust while center squares carry more toppings, so every person at the table can pick a favorite position.
Newcomers sometimes need a moment to adjust. After a few squares, though, the format starts to feel natural, and many people find it hard to go back.
It is a small detail with a big impact on the experience. Next up is the topping that turned this chain into a local name.
Pepperoni, the House Headliner
Ask around Columbus about Massey’s, and pepperoni usually enters the conversation within seconds.
The chain is widely known for its pepperoni pizzas. It is the order that longtime fans describe as the true taste of the place, the one tied to childhood memories and family nights.
Pepperoni on this thin crust has a nostalgic reputation. People who grew up nearby say it still carries the same Massey’s character they remember.
For first-timers, this is the safe bet. Ordering the pie the chain is known for gives a clear sense of what the fuss is about before branching into specialty options.
The square cut pairs nicely with a pepperoni pie. Each piece tends to carry a fair share of topping, so the table gets a balanced spread.
Some diners even rank the pepperoni above fancier creations on the menu. It is a reminder that the simplest order often says the most about a pizza shop.
Pepperoni may be the star, but it is far from the only act in the lineup. The menu also makes room for folks who want a different kind of crust altogether.
Deep Dish and Cauliflower Detours
Thin crust may be the tradition, yet the kitchen does not force everyone into one lane.
Deep dish pizza is on offer for those who want something heartier. Fans describe it as packed with toppings and well baked, a solid choice for a bigger appetite.
Then there is cauliflower crust, which gets a surprising amount of attention. People ordering it for the first time have come away impressed that the crust holds up under toppings and does not turn soggy.
That option matters for groups with mixed preferences. One person can stick with a classic thin pie while another picks cauliflower, and nobody feels left out.
Travelers passing through have tried the cauliflower version on a whim and promised to return. For a chain rooted in 1949, it shows a willingness to adapt without losing its identity.
Having choices also makes repeat trips more interesting. A family could stop in several times and try a different crust style on each trip.
So the menu covers thin, deep, and cauliflower bases. What goes on top is its own story, and the specialty lineup has a few crowd favorites worth knowing.
Specialty Pies With Loyal Fans
Beyond pepperoni, a handful of specialty pies have built small fan clubs of their own.
The supreme is a long-standing favorite for people who want a loaded pie. Chicken bacon ranch pizza earns praise as a personal top pick for some diners, and the BBQ chicken pizza has won over first-time customers too.
Topping amounts are a frequent talking point. Many people describe pies with plentiful toppings and a cheese that stands out as one of the best they have had.
Not every order lands the same way, though. One returning fan found a supreme with sparser toppings than expected, so it can be worth mentioning preferences when ordering.
Extra cheese deserves a quick note as well. The store has explained that extra cheese is placed underneath unless the customer specifies otherwise, which is handy to know before placing an order.
Overall, the variety is a strong point. Diners regularly mention a great range of pizzas, which keeps things fresh for regulars who come often.
With so many options, choosing just one can be tough. Luckily, there is a weekday setup that removes the need to pick at all.
The Weekday Lunch Buffet
Lunch hour on a weekday reveals one of the biggest reasons locals keep this address on speed dial.
The lunch buffet runs from 11 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday. It is by far the most talked-about feature of this location, and it draws a steady midday crowd.
The cost has been listed at around $11.99 in earlier years and about $12.50 more recently, with a fountain drink included. That makes it a budget-friendly way to sample several pies in one sitting.
A great selection of thin crust pizza is the main event. Staff work to keep the trays stocked, and diners often note that fresh pies keep coming out even during busy stretches.
Spring break crowds have tested the system before. Even with kids out of school, the team kept up and made sure the line did not run empty.
For anyone new to the square-cut style, the buffet is a low-pressure introduction. Grab a few different pieces and figure out a favorite before committing to a full pie next time.
And the buffet has one more trick up its sleeve. It involves the sweeter side of the menu.
A Sweet Finish on Request
Here is a little buffet secret that does not always get advertised on the wall.
Dessert pizza is part of the Massey’s lineup, and it can show up during the lunch buffet. Diners who asked for a special pie, including dessert pizza, have had staff bring it out to the line.
That flexibility turns a quick lunch into something a bit more fun. It is a nice way to wrap up a meal without ordering a separate item.
Families with kids tend to appreciate it most. A sweet pizza at the end of lunch can make a weekday outing feel like a small celebration.
The same idea applies to other specialty requests. If a particular pie is not on the buffet at the moment, it does not hurt to ask politely.
Of course, availability depends on how busy the kitchen is. A packed lunch rush may mean a short wait for special requests.
Dessert pizza also appears among the popular topics people bring up about this location. With the sweet course covered, attention turns to the room where all this eating happens.
Vintage Pizza Parlor Vibes
Nobody comes here for designer lighting, and that is part of the charm.
The dining room carries a vintage American pizza place vibe. It feels like the kind of spot that has hosted countless birthdays, team dinners, and casual weeknight meals over the years.
Opinions on the space vary a little. Some people call the dining room pleasant, while others think it looks a bit worn, though they add that decor is not the main event at a pizza joint.
Cleanliness gets a thumbs up. Diners have described the store as clean and the staff as friendly and helpful.
The overall mood is relaxed and unfussy. It is a place where a family with young kids can settle in without worrying about noise, and a solo diner can grab a quick lunch without a fuss.
Staff interactions are usually warm, though counter pickups can be brief during busy moments. Most people agree the team does its job and keeps things moving.
A room like this has plenty of history in its walls. It also has plenty of space, which makes it a surprisingly good pick for bigger gatherings.
Room for the Whole Team
Planning food for a crowd is stressful, but this location makes it noticeably easier.
Large seating areas work well for families and groups. There is plenty of room for dining in, and the restaurant takes reservations for its front room or back room for parties and events.
That makes it a practical choice for birthdays, team celebrations, or club meetups. Having a dedicated room keeps a big group together without taking over the whole restaurant.
Carryout for big groups works well too. One out-of-town team traveling for a high school tournament ordered online in advance, and everything was ready right at the scheduled time.
Even better, nobody in that large group had a complaint. Anyone who has fed a team of teenagers knows how rare that is.
The square cut helps here once again. Pies divide easily across a long table, so everyone gets a fair share without much fuss.
For event planning, calling ahead to book a room is the smart move. Speaking of phones and online orders, the takeout and delivery side comes with a few tips worth reading.
Carryout Wins and Delivery Tips
Carryout is where this location tends to shine brightest.
Online ordering makes pickup simple, and many people report pies ready on schedule. Some fans even say this branch has made their order correctly every time for years.
Delivery has a more mixed track record. Some late-night and busy-hour orders have taken over an hour, occasionally close to two, and arrived cooler than expected.
That does not mean delivery is a bad idea. It simply means timing matters, and ordering earlier in the evening may help.
If something goes wrong, calling the store directly is the best route. A manager has noted that he would answer the phone to fix an issue, which can work faster than reporting problems through an app after closing.
For stromboli-style cravings or extra sauce needs, it helps to be specific at the time of ordering. Small details like add-ons and toppings are easier to get right when spelled out clearly.
Overall, carryout is the most dependable way to enjoy these squares at home. Knowing when the doors open and close helps plan that order even better.
Hours, Parking, and Timing
Good planning is the quiet hero of any pizza run.
Hours run from 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the doors stay open from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sunday hours run from 12 pm to 9 pm.
Weekend nights offer the most flexibility for a late dinner. Sunday starts an hour later, so brunch-time cravings will need a little patience.
Parking is easy thanks to a large lot. That matters for groups arriving in several cars or families juggling car seats and strollers.
The location is also handy for travelers. People heading to hotels near the airport have stopped here on the way, and out-of-town sports families have used it during tournaments.
Expect crowds at peak times. The restaurant can get very busy, which is a good sign of its strong local following but may mean a short wait.
For the buffet, arriving close to 11 am on a weekday gives the best shot at a relaxed table. With the logistics sorted, all that remains is deciding whether this spot deserves a place on your list.
A Hometown Slice Worth the Trip
Some restaurants win people over with novelty, and others win with loyalty that stretches back generations.
This Gahanna location falls firmly in the second camp. It serves the thin, cornmeal-dusted squares that central Ohio has known since 1949, along with pepperoni pies, specialty options, deep dish, and cauliflower crust.
The weekday lunch buffet is a standout for value and variety. Group-friendly rooms, reservations for events, and dependable carryout round out the practical perks.
It is not flawless. Delivery times can stretch, topping amounts occasionally vary, and the dining room shows its age in spots.
Still, the core promise holds steady. People keep calling it consistent and comforting, a place that feels like home every time they walk back in.
For first-timers, the plan is simple. Order a classic thin-crust pie, look for the cornmeal underneath, and share the squares with whoever came along.
For returning fans, it is a chance to check in with an old favorite. Either way, a stop on Lincoln Circle offers a tasty lesson in why some Columbus traditions never go out of style.
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