Austin Buckland of Green Camp says he had a childhood worthy of Willy Wonka.
“It was so much fun growing up here! The saying may be, ‘Like a kid in a candy store,’ but I was fortunate enough to be ‘the kid in a pizza shop!’ As a little boy in the kitchen, it was the coolest thing ever for Mom and Dad to let me put whatever I wanted to on my pizza (chicken tenders were my favorite choice) to share with friends,” says Buckland.
Berwick Pizza: A Green Camp Tradition
His parents, Todd and Brenda Buckland, bought Berwick Pizza in 2007. It has been a local pizza shop now for 50 years. It’s named after the original name of Green Camp when it was founded in the 1800s.
The family divides up management and works together every day, making fresh pizza dough, using fresh ingredients and piling on the toppings.
“Our large deluxe pizza weighs over five pounds!” Austin exclaims. “We also take a lot of pride in the quality of the product we offer. We are not willing to compromise on flavor or to scrimp on toppings. We will go out of our way to find ingredients that complement each other well, and that both we and our customers love.”
Experiments Lead to New Menu Items
Austin’s desire to experiment with pizza toppings took on a life of its own. For nearly a decade, Berwick has featured a pizza of the month with unusual combinations including birthday cake pizza, Oreo funnel cake, and pumpkin donut. If they hit on a new favorite, it is added to the menu. Some of those additions include the fruity cereal dessert pizza, cheeseburger pizza, and spaghetti pizza.
“We like to think that our creativity also sets us apart! Let’s just say that we are not afraid to push the envelope when it comes to new pizzas and dessert pizzas,” Austin says.
In addition to being a local and regional favorite, a viral TikTok last summer brought pizza lovers with adventurous taste buds from around the world.
“We have welcomed visitors from 35 states and multiple countries including Australia! We have had travelers passing through on the way to vacation or to visit family, but have also had many people from surrounding states travel here just for us as a day trip! They come to eat, and while they are here often visit some of the other fun tourist destinations Marion has to offer, like the Popcorn Museum or the Harding Memorial,” Austin said.
Rave Reviews for Berwick Pizza
Some loyal customers say the reasons for coming back are clear.
“The Berwick has always been a place where great food and family come together. Whether you’re from the area, or hours away you will always be treated like family with their amazing staff. The pizza is always unique and so good! From a classic pepperoni pizza to Cocoa Pebbles, they are never bad! Always try the pizza of the month! You will surprise yourself and love the unique pizzas that most people wouldn’t think to like! I live an hour away and still go to the Berwick as often as I can! If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out!” said Becky Fuller of Bloomdale.
“Berwick Pizza And Subs really lives up to the motto “Where great food and great people come together!” I can’t praise the food enough. It’s delicious and the portion sizes are always great. The pizza lineup is always unique and delicious. The dessert pizzas are better than any pizza place I’ve ever heard of. With all of that being said, the Buckland family and all of their employees surpass the food quality with some of the best service around. Always kind, friendly and caring. You can tell that they genuinely care about their customers as people rather than just the money they can make off of them. We are blessed to have this gem in the Marion area!” said Paul Helms of Marion.
Community Support Critical for Berwick Pizza
The Bucklands credit strong local support with getting them through the COVID-19 pandemic. As lifelong Marion County residents, they appreciate the support from customers, other businesses, and even the previous owners.
“We love the support felt between local businesses and the entire community. We are well supported by members of every aspect of Marion County, whether that be police officers, fire departments, or local schools. In the past, we have teamed up with several local businesses such as the Green Camp Dairy Bar, L&P Cake Shoppe, and Andrew’s Pastries!” Austin shares.
As the family has grown up in Marion County, they appreciate local support.
“It’s an honor to be MarionMade!” Austin says.
For more info:
(740) 528-2323
205 Marion Street, Green Camp, Ohio 43322
