Real pizza lovers always head for family-owned, local operations like U.S. Pizza in Newport. For nearly three decades, owners Jack and Virginia Austin have more than lived up to customer expectations by serving outstanding food in a comfortable environment. Their pizzeria, located on Highway 367, now known as the Rock’n’Roll Highway, attracts a steady stream of customers seven days a week. The building may be modest and unassuming, but the pizza, sandwiches, salads, and desserts are the equal of any in the region. Just ask the dozens of folks from Cherokee Village, Searcy, or Batesville who make the trip to Newport regularly.
Jack Austin is quick to credit his success to the locals who make up much of the lunch and weeknight business. “Newport and Jackson County have been very good to us,” he declares. But he also acknowledges that much of his weekend business comes from the neighboring counties. Admittedly, the fact that U.S. Pizza serves beer every day but Sunday contributes to the regional clientele—much of which does come from “dry” counties. After all, pizza and beer is an unbeatable combination. It’s also worth noting that prices at U.S. Pizza are surprisingly low. The most expensive item on the menu is a large (13”) Meat Lovers Pizza with ground beef, Italian Sausage, Canadian Bacon, and pepperoni for $15.20. Most large, one topping pizzas are priced at $11.05; a 10” inch pizza is priced around $ 9-10, depending on toppings. Every topping imaginable is available—yes, even anchovies.
U.S. Pizza’s comfortable vibe is partly due to the continuity in the restaurant’s staff. The current manager has been with the organization for 26 years and many employees have been around for at least a decade. The wait staff is knowledgeable, cheerful, accommodating, and seems to know most of the regulars by their first names. The relatively small dining area can fill up quickly, especially at lunch time, but the experienced staff handles every order graciously, without ever missing a beat.
The lunch crowd may have something to do with the prices. Weekday lunch specials are quite a bargain, ranging from $3.00 for a fiery “Super Chili” (in season) to $5.25 for lasagna and green salad. The salad is always fresh; the house dressing a good choice. An ample personal pan pizza, starting at $3.75, is bigger than it looks.
A creative assortment of sandwich choices on a hoagie roll or wheat bread is also available. Choices include turkey and mozzarella, roast beef and cheddar, and loaded submarine with mozzarella. An impressive Grilled Chicken Salad features almonds, Cran-Raisins, bleu cheese, and a flavorful Poppy Seed Dressing. Brownies and DeLuxe Brownies lead the dessert line-up, but the coconut pie is well worth a try.
U.S. Pizza has flourished because customers who leave smiling always return. Owner Jack Austin has considered expanding and renovating his building, but customers urge him “not to change a thing.” After all, why tinker with great food at reasonable prices in a place that will appreciate your funny t-shirt.
U.S. Pizza Company is open seven days a week: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call 870-523-3623 for take-out orders.
U.S. Pizza is one of many outstanding restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the Ozark Gateway region. For more information on where to eat, visit the Restaurant Review section of our website, www.ozarkgateway.com/gateway_gourmet.html.
