A DASH OF CHEESE... AND NEW BEGINNINGS. Covizza, a popular pandemic-inspired, home-based pizza joint is expanding to a brick-and-mortar, shared space with Lunchbox EC. (Submitted photos)

Some of you have been let in on the biggest secret in town: Covizza. If you recognize the name, then you’ve probably inhaled one of their supremely creative wood-fired pies, such as The Supper Club: smashed garlic confit, braised beef, twice-fried parmesan crusted potatoes, mozzarella, fontina, creme fraiche, chive, and crushed red pepper. Oh, Madonna!

Jacob Paulsrud, and his life partner, Brittany, had just moved from Minneapolis to Eau Claire, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and knew they had to pursue Jacob’s lifelong dream of owning his own pizza business, aptly named Covizza (COVID + pizza). Before departing Minnesota, they tossed up some pizza recipe trials, which – as the pandemic settled in – became the impetus behind a new backyard pizza op that made quarantine taste just a little bit better.

“Eau Claire has a great sense of community,” Jacob said, “so I feel if you have something new to bring to the table, it will be received well. I think this place really needs a more chef-driven pizzeria that can also be loose and fun as well.”

Though the couple moved to Eau Claire to slow down, Covizza’s popularity has been exponential, selling out every pop-up dinner offering they’ve had at their home (for friends and family) and at the Informalist, silently putting pressure on the pair to find brick-and-mortar location to keep the endeavor going.

Not yet being a full-fledged restaurant, it’s been lonely being the two sole people making Covizza go, but a sense of collaboration is washing over them, as they recently signed on to share a space with Lunchbox EC, in Banbury Place.

To be on the pulse of everything Covizza, follow them on Instagram (@covizza) while their website ordering is still being built. Typically pre-orders will open on Monday or Tuesday evening once the menu is created for the upcoming weekend; timed pick-ups happening on that Friday or Saturday night. Pre-ordering will continue, as they feel it eliminates food waste and is a solid idea for budgeting.

“We want families, we want first dates, artists, musicians,” the couple said, “just anyone looking for a good slice of pizza. As corny as I sound, we just want to attract the community.”