The beginning
On November 15, 1983, Sam and Sue Sayre purchased Sparky’s Pizza in Smithville, Ohio, and gave it a new name: Sam’s Pizza. Before that, they had already spent two years in the food business as owners of the Golden Bear Drive-In in Apple Creek. In 1986, they sold the Golden Bear and focused fully on building Sam’s Pizza into a business known for quality food, dependable service, and a strong connection to the local community.
Over the years, Sam’s Pizza grew beyond its original Smithville location. Additional locations opened in nearby communities, and the business continued to expand its menu, services, and community involvement. While those other locations are no longer operating, the original Smithville store remains the heart of Sam’s Pizza & Heroes and continues to carry the name forward.
Growing With Smithville
In July 2003, Sam’s purchased the Village Market in Smithville with the goal of bringing the market and pizza shop together into one larger business. That move gave Sam’s more room to grow and allowed the Smithville location to offer more than just pizza. Today, guests can still find many of the items that have become part of the Sam’s experience, including pizza, heroes, wings, salads, subs, deli items, grab-and-go options, and the Sam’s Pizza Buffet.
The Smithville location has continued to evolve while staying rooted in the same small-town values that started the business. Most recently, the original store received a refreshed interior remodel and updated branding, giving Sam’s a cleaner, more modern look while preserving the history and familiarity that longtime customers know.
Most Recently
Today, Sam’s Pizza & Heroes operates from its original Smithville location. While the business has changed over the years, the focus remains the same: quality food, friendly service, strong team members, and a commitment to the community.
With a fresh remodel, updated branding, and the same hometown foundation, Sam’s Pizza & Heroes is proud to continue serving Smithville and the surrounding area — just as Sam and Sue started doing back in 1983.
Community & Tradition
Sam’s Pizza has always believed in being part of the community it serves. Over the years, Sam’s Pizza Fundraising has helped raise money for local churches, schools, teams, and nonprofit organizations. The business has also supported local graduates through scholarship efforts and has remained committed to giving back to the people and organizations that have supported Sam’s for generations.