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Ohio City Pizzeria has been a neighborhood staple since the 1980’s and in 2019 became a social enterprise of West Side Catholic Center (www.wsccenter.org), a Cuyahoga County social service agency and shelter for those experiencing homelessness that offers hot meals, hospitality, clothing and household goods, as well as additional support services for men, women and children living in poverty.

WSCC has been serving and responding to emerging needs in the community through countless social service programs since 1977, and saw an opportunity with Ohio City Pizzeria to provide employment and job training for its clients; many of whom are unhoused, formerly incarcerated, contending with mental health issues, and a variety of other barriers to success.

In 2018, WSCC purchased both the Ohio City Pizzeria business and building located at 3223 Lorain Avenue. Utilizing the expertise of another area nonprofit and social enterprise, Edwins Restaurant & Training Institute was brought on as a consultant and solidified a proposal of what the restaurant could become under the mission of the WSCC; reopening in July 2019. Through a pandemic and changing workforce, Ohio City Pizzeria has seen growth and development over the past three years. It was a lofty dream, now turned into reality.

In October 2021, WSCC launched the first class of the Culinary Academy. The eight week program provides engaging learning opportunities, in-depth classroom studies, hands-on development of basic kitchen skills, and on-the-job training at Ohio City Pizzeria. Students are then placed in internships with restaurants throughout Cleveland with opportunities for permanent employment at the end of the program.

If you’re enjoying your meal and hope to support our mission, please tell a friend, or better yet, bring them by for a pint and a slice.

Great food, great cause. Can’t beat that!