Penelope Pizza, located in Tucson, is situated on Broadway Boulevard and Herbert Avenue, just south of Hotel Congress and the Rialto Theatre. If you’re an out-of-towner, at first glance, it’s possible you might walk right by it. If you’re a local, you might think, “isn’t that where Cartel Coffee is?” You would be correct. When Cartel Coffee first built out their space, it included an incredibly classic looking wood-fired oven. The reason being, Cartel had visions of creating an additional pizza concept for their business.
This is where Penelope Pizza owner Jared Schwartz comes into the picture. Schwartz, the brave soul, started his entrepreneurial journey in 2020, when restaurants and small local businesses were really under fire. However, his business model was perfectly modified to fit the circumstances at the time and also tie a community together. It all started with his new business, dubbed Over The Counter, which was selling DIY pizza kits. Soon after the launch of the DIY pizza kit sales, Jared launched an initiative for the community that would see for every pizza kit sold, another pizza would be provided for a hospital worker or an out of work service-industry worker. Flash forward just two years later and Jared Schwartz is now subleasing the pizza space that Cartel Coffee built out and the two are operating as separate businesses under one roof.
As you make your turn onto Herbert from Broadway, you’ll see a set of beautiful steel double doors brandishing the Penelope Pizza logo. Open the doors and you will immediately be greeted by a pizza oven situated just behind the counter, live plants draping the side of the oven, and beautifully exposed brick, making for an excellent backdrop. It all ties together for a very relaxed atmosphere that mirrors the vibe of their co-tenant’s coffee shop.
The Penelope Pizza menu comprises a blend of classic styles with a modern twist. When asked to describe the foundational core principles of Penelope Pizza I was told by Jared, “It is all about balance.” The flavor profiles, toppings, quantities, and distribution are exactly how you would describe a classic pizza style. The modern twist, though, is the Penelope Pizza staple: the drizzle. Whether it be Mike’s hot honey, buffalo ranch, garlic oil, balsamic, or even, dare I say it, a pineapple drizzle. Penelope uses these finishing touches to tie together some of the most electric pizzas in recent memory!
A special consideration for pizza lovers who enjoy a beer with their pizza: while Penelope is currently waiting for their liquor license, you can order Penelope Pizza from the comfort of neighboring Thunder Canyon Brewery and nearby Pueblo Vida Brewing Company.
Penelope’s pizzas are enough of a draw, but for a truly spectacular experience, join in on one of their special, once a month pasta dinners. Every last Tuesday of the month, Jared teams up with his right-hand man Benny, friends and family, and other industry members to put on a one-of-a-kind feast. The chill vibes of the coffee and pizza shop transform into a casual fine dining event which is beloved by its community. The only thing on the menu that remains the same month after month is the wood-fired bread. Salads, pastas, and desserts are always rotating to ensure guests enjoy a truly unique evening, time and time again.
Owner Jared Schwartz shared with me how special these events are and how connected it makes him feel to the community. That includes both the guests and his tight-knit crew of hospitality professionals who make each night a remarkable adventure. The team consists of several talented Tucson chefs, starting with Morgan Franz, who is the go-to pasta guy. Ashley, Jared’s fiancé, displays her creativity through baking with a unique olive oil cake each month. The finishing touches on these dinners are put together by none other than the classically trained French pastry chef Dean Blair (owner of Okashi Confections) who puts a Japanese-Asian influence on his flavor profiles and ice creams. If you’re looking to get into one of these dinners, be sure to plan ahead as they are popular and first come first serve.
Penelope Pizza exemplifies the vibrant tapestry of Tucson’s food scene—a testament to creativity, community, and unwavering dedication to quality. With its unpretentious exterior and a culinary experience that transcends expectations, this establishment has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers near and far.
written by: steven larson
photographed by: luke irvin