The team behind neighborhood favorite Fozzie’s Sandwich Emporium has opened Humble Pie Pizza, a new fast-casual pizza spot at 1059 S. Big Bend Blvd. in Richmond Heights.
Founded by local restaurateur Mark Lucas, Humble Pie Pizza marks the group’s next chapter in the community they’ve long called home. The 60-seat restaurant takes over the former Del Pietro’s, Riverbend and Harvest space, bringing Chicago tavern-style pizza to the neighborhood.
Despite a challenging moment for the restaurant industry, Lucas said the decision to open a new concept was rooted in a clear opportunity. “I saw a gap for a truly family-friendly restaurant, one that didn’t box itself into a single cuisine,” he said. “A place where everyone at the table can find something on the menu that they’re excited about.”
That philosophy shapes Humble Pie’s menu, which centers on thin, cracker-crust Chicago tavern-style pizzas cooked in a gas-powered conveyor oven designed to deliver a consistent bake. Beyond pizza, the restaurant offers a lineup of appetizers and small plates, plus sandwiches, a handful of burgers and a kid-friendly menu.
“What sets Humble Pie apart is that we’re more than just pizza,” Lucas said. “You can come in for a full, satisfying meal or skip the pizza entirely, then round it out at the ice counter with a Dole Whip, float, ice cream or dirty soda to make it a whole experience.”
On the beverage side, the restaurant leans into nostalgia with an old-school ice cream counter serving Dole Whip–style soft serve that is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. Guests can also build classic sodas with flavored syrups and creams, tapping into the growing popularity of dirty sodas.
“The Richmond Heights community has shown Fozzie’s so much love over the years,” Lucas said. “We’re thrilled to grow right here in the neighborhood and can’t wait for everyone to grab a slice of humble pie.”
That support has already been evident since opening. “Now that the holiday hustle has settled, we’re feeling the love,” Lucas said. “We’re seeing a lot of happy guests in our restaurants, great energy in the dining room and a community that’s excited to be spending time with us.”
Designed for dine-in meals, takeout and delivery, Humble Pie Pizza aims to be a flexible neighborhood hangout, whether for a family dinner, a quick slice or a casual meetup with friends. With an emphasis on approachable food and a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant positions itself as a community gathering place as much as a pizza destination.