Andrew Zepeda is set to open a new pizza restaurant in downtown Toledo, aiming to turn past challenges into future success. The new establishment, Andrew Z’s Pizza, Pasta, and Subs, will occupy the space that was once home to Leaf and Seed Cafe.
“I hope to open by the end of the year,” Zepeda said. “The pizza ovens are arriving soon. I love the space, especially because it has two parking lots, which are important downtown.”
Zepeda previously owned Andrew Z’s Sportz Pizzeria in Perrysburg, which closed in 2010. Currently, he hosts the show AndrewZinthemorning on 107.7 the WOLF in Toledo. Along with his wife, Colleen, he has operated a food truck, Queso Kitchen, for five years. They recently launched a second truck, Tiki Time, and a third, Andrew Z’s Traveling Pizza Show, just two months ago.
“The pizza truck was popular, so I felt it was time to open another pizza restaurant,” he said. “I thought I had moved on from pizza, but the support from the community has been overwhelming. I’ve learned a lot from my past experiences, and now feels like the right time to return to pizza.”
The new menu will feature classic and specialty pizzas, including a vegan option with a gluten-free crust in honor of Susan Herhold, the former owner of Leaf and Seed.
“Susan had incredible vegan dishes,” Zepeda said. “Vegan food has improved a lot and can taste great.”
The sauce used for the pizzas is key to their flavor. Zepeda described it as an artisan blend adapted from his spaghetti sauce, with chunks of tomato for added texture.
A highlight of the menu is a pickle pizza created by Colleen, featuring a garlic butter base, bacon, dill pickles, ranch dressing, and Italian seasoning. This unique offering sold out at the Pemberville Free Fair.
Many of the recipes, including the sauce, come from Zepeda’s mother, Maxine.
“My mom’s cooking is amazing,” he said. “I’ve had many people taste her food and agree. She inspires me, and many recipes are from her or adapted from family traditions.”
The restaurant will also offer subs and sandwiches influenced by Zepeda’s experiences in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The menu will include Italian meatball subs, Chicago-style Italian beef, and Philly cheesesteaks.
Pasta options will include spaghetti and a special spaghetti primo with meat sauce, sausage, meatballs, and various toppings.
Desserts will feature a large chocolate chip cookie served warm in a skillet, topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce.
Zepeda plans to be hands-on in the kitchen. “I love cooking food,” he said, noting that he enjoyed interacting with customers at his food trucks.
Alissa Viera, owner of Swanky Scoops, expressed her excitement about the new business moving into the building. “I look forward to collaborating with other small businesses in Toledo,” she said.
As a father of five, Zepeda hopes the community will give him another chance. “I’ve apologized many times for my past mistakes,” he said. “I’m working hard to provide for my family. I hope people will come for the great food and enjoy the experience.”
Related Topics
- Pizza Hut Surprises Customers with Empty Frozen Pizza Boxes in a New Prank
- Experience Puglia’s Flavors with 50% Off Pizzas at Made in Puglia
- Man Charged with Homicide After Shooting Cashier Over Pizza Order Dispute
