New local restaurant Lit Pizza opened its doors in August of 2016, and business is booming every day of the week.
Even though owners Gary Kovacs and Ozzie Fernandez, who also own Izzo’s, opened the restaurant eight months ago, business has not slowed down in the slightest.
“Business has been really busy, like super busy,” said Christian Dawson, one of three shift managers at Lit Pizza. “No matter what day I come into work, I’m working hard.”
The restaurant opened during the Great Flood of 2016, and, while this could have put it at a disadvantage, it appears to have had no effect, and Lit Pizza is still as it should be — lit.
The unique atmosphere of the eatery is charming, giving it a special touch that keeps people coming back for more. The interior is modern with wooden tables and bright orange chairs. They have seating available both inside and outside.
There is a wide variety of pizza options on their menu, including a strictly veggie pizza, a meatball pizza and a ham and pineapple pizza called Here Today Gone to Maui.
Dawson said that a customer favorite is Pesto Pollo, which includes ricotta and parmesan cheese, artichokes, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and, of course, the bright green pesto sauce. Though customers enjoy this dish, most make their own pizza.
The restaurant’s pizza bar contains all fresh ingredients. They cook their own meat and cut their vegetables in front of the customers. They even grate fresh parmesan directly onto the pizzas.
“I think that’s the reason we do so well as a business,” Dawson said. “Also because all the pizzas that we sell from the menu are $8. You can make your own pizza with unlimited toppings, and the total comes out to the same $8.”
With a cheap price for an 11-inch pizza and the opportunity to make whatever kind of pizza desired, Lit Pizza found a niche in Baton Rouge. It’s convenient for anyone with a 30 minute lunch break or looking for a great pizza in their neighborhood.
Lit Pizza has also quickly become a hotspot for University students. With its close proximity to campus, students are running for a quick bite between classes, before work and even for a casual date. The restaurant is even accessible by Tiger Trails bus and accepts TigerCash.
The restaurant also features pizzas of the month. March’s pizza is Lent-friendly and showcases Louisiana crawfish, tomato cream sauce, mozzarella, roasted heirloom cherry tomatoes, calabrese mash, garlic and green onions.
“We have a wood-fire oven that gives our pizzas that nice, crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese,” Dawson said. “It only takes about five minutes to make and cook the entire meal.”
Lit Pizza sets out to change the game. Every order placed comes out in five minutes or less. They also hold happy hour each weekday from 3-6 p.m. They serve craft beer on tap, wine and longnecks.
Lit Pizza is located at 3930 Burbank Dr. and is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Kim Nguyen

Employees add toppings to pizzas at Lit Pizza on March 6, 2017.