Cutting the ribbon are (from left) Jennifer Rose, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce; Catherine Read; John Rodas; City Treasurer Tom Scibilia; Tara Borwey, Economic Development Office; and Tess Rollins.
Whether craving just a slice or two of pizza, a whole pie – either round or rectangular – or something with a cauliflower crust baked in its own dedicated oven, Old Dominion Pizza in Fairfax City can fulfill customers’ dining desires. It recently opened at 3950 University Drive (across from the library) and has already garnered loyal fans.
During its official ribbon cutting, Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read said how pleased she was that owner John Rodas decided to open his business here. “I had the pleasure of eating his pizza at [the City’s] Rock the Block and Funky Flea, and I loved the fact that his introduction to the community was showing up for community events,” she said. “We welcome you, and we hope you’ll find a home here.”
Old Dominion’s cheese pizza
Tess Rollins, executive director of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association, said there’s “a feeling of friendships and relationships” at Old Dominion Pizza. And while she’s happy about the options for a cauliflower crust and vegan cheese, she said her son, a wrestler, was “excited about the meatballs” on the menu.
Rodas has worked in the pizza business for 30 years and, in 2017, was vice president for 75 Domino’s pizza stores. “But I wanted to leave the corporate world,” he said. “So I opened my own pizza business in Arlington, five years ago, and this one in Fairfax is my second location.”
He said a friend of his who lives here told him, “Fairfax City needed a good pizza place.” And, added Rodas, “It’s a friendly city with a hometown feel, the EDA [Economic Development Authority] was very helpful and GMU college students are nearby.”
Noting that Old Dominion is known for its pizza by the slice – which isn’t always offered in pizza places – he said his whole pizzas come in 12- and 14-inch sizes, with the traditional one being a New York style with a large, thin crust. The Grandma style comes in 10- and 14-inch sizes, plus a personal 8-inch size. It’s rectangular and has a heartier sauce containing chunky tomatoes, onions and green peppers.
Customers may choose their own sauces, including red (tomato), pesto, garlic parmesan, barbecue and olive oil. And among their topping choices are roasted mushrooms, jalapeños, caramelized onions, arugula, roasted red peppers, spinach, olives, pepperoni, meatballs, Italian sausage, grilled chicken, Virginia baked ham, bacon, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, garlic and hot honey.
Old Dominion’s gourmet specialty pies are named after local, high-school and college mascots. For example, the Lion (Fairfax High) features red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bacon and ham; and the Ram (Robinson Secondary) comes with red sauce, mozzarella, meatballs, onions and honey whipped ricotta.
The Cavalier (Woodson High) features garlic parmesan sauce, smoked mozzarella, ham, bacon and hot honey. And in honor of GMU, the Patriot is topped with tomato sauce, pepperoni, hot honey and oregano. Fresh basil may be added for free on any pie.
But that’s not all. Old Dominion also offers house-made meatballs with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, Italian hero sandwiches – including caprese, wings in various flavors and sauces, salads, fries, cookies, and beverages such as soda, juice, beer and wine.
Inside, there’s plenty of table space for large groups; and outside, there are tables on the patio for dining al fresco. Hours are daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; phone: 571-407-5218.
And although there are other pizza restaurants in Fairfax City, Rodas said people should come to his because “We use really quality ingredients, and many items – like our meatballs, chicken wings, veggies and cookies – are made in-house.”
Customer Doug Church especially likes Old Dominion’s pepperoni pizza on a cauliflower crust. “I can’t believe it’s cauliflower because it’s really good,” he said. “The crust on the New York style pizza is also amazing and is the perfect crispness. And the wings are wonderful and just hot enough.”
As for Jennifer Rose, she enjoyed her cheese pizza. “A good, cheese pizza says a lot about the quality of everything else,” she explained. “And this one had a tasty sauce with the right amount of cheese – and the crust was delicious.”