In Virginia’s charming towns, a pizza revolution is unfolding one massive slice at a time. Benny’s Pizza has captivated local food scenes with their extraordinary 28-inch pies that require two paper plates to handle a single slice. What began in 2014 on the quiet streets of Fredericksburg has evolved into a regional phenomenon, bringing a taste of authentic Italian tradition to the Commonwealth’s pizza lovers.
Benny’s Pizza: Virginia’s Giant Slice Sensation
The legend of Benny’s begins with its rich Italian-inspired backstory, centered around the fictional “Benedito” persona and the historic San Vitali church in Ravenna, Italy. This creative origin story connects the restaurants to one of the most important basilicas in world history, drawing a parallel between its significance and Fredericksburg’s place in American history. This thoughtful narrative establishes Benny’s as a cultural ambassador bringing authentic Italian pizza tradition to Virginia towns.
The unmistakable calling card of Benny’s is their colossal 28-inch pizzas, which have become iconic throughout Virginia. In a market crowded with chain pizzerias, Benny’s stands apart with slices so enormous they’ve earned the moniker “The Virginia Slice.” Their Fredericksburg location proudly states, “seats are limited, pizza is not,” highlighting both their focus on takeout service and their commitment to generous portions. The oversized pies have become not just a meal but a social media phenomenon, with customers regularly sharing photos of the massive slices that often require two hands and sometimes team effort to consume.
Community Connection Beyond the Slice
Benny’s has skillfully integrated itself into the fabric of Virginia Tech culture in Blacksburg, creating deep connections with the Hokie community. Their social media buzzes with gameday promotions, offering $1 off slices for customers who pick up special “Beat Clemson” or “Beat Georgia Tech” buttons from local partner Counts Pharmacy. This clever marketing not only drives foot traffic but also creates a sense of shared identity during sporting events. Perhaps most beloved is their “Benny’s Box Toss Challenge,” a halftime competition at Cassell Coliseum basketball games where students compete for free pizza, turning a simple promotion into a cherished university tradition.
Beyond campus connections, Benny’s positions itself as a catalyst for downtown revitalization across Virginia. They proudly state, “We take a lot of pride in being part of the revitalization of historic downtowns and love to become an integral part of your neighborhoods.” This commitment to community building extends beyond Blacksburg and Fredericksburg to other locations, including Richmond and Manassas. By establishing themselves as neighborhood fixtures rather than just food vendors, Benny’s creates gathering spaces where residents connect over giant slices. Their flexibility— “No project too big and no town is too small for giant pizzas and good vibes”—demonstrates their dedication to serving communities of all sizes across the Commonwealth.
