Editor’s note: From Oct. 1-8, we’ll be featuring the each of the winners from the eight categories of the Owensboro Times Eat Down the Street Competition. The championship week of the voting competition will begin Oct. 11, when eight finalists will face off for the title of the overall favorite local restaurant. Today, we feature The Oven, which was voted as the favorite local pizza restaurant.
The hidden gem on E. 4th Street known as The Oven has been around since 2018 and is quite the unique pizza and ice cream shop.
Owners James Harlen and Shelly Marshall were surprised to get the recognition of being voted the best local pizza joint, especially considering they are in a smaller location in comparison to the other well-known places that have also been around longer.
Since The Oven started in 2018, the owners said they haven’t seen a stop in business and continue to be busy and grow consistently. Along with the growth in customers, they’ve seen their menu and service grow as well.
Marshall, the main chef, said she has seen customers respond well to the new menu options — from the pizzas to the salads and buffets Tuesday evenings.
They offer thin-crust, hand-tossed, and personal pan pizzas. Specialty pizzas include everything from common options such as buffalo chicken or four-meat to more unique offerings such as taco and BLT.
Marshall said she makes dough every morning before opening to ensure the fresh feeling she wants their customers to have. They also offer other ingredients fresh.
“It’s not just the pizzas. Everybody loves the salads because I make them when they order them. They’re not just sitting in the refrigerator getting wilted,” Marshall said.
When the pandemic hit, The Oven had to make some adjustments and started offering outdoor seating. They also saw a bit of a dip in customers.
Nonetheless, they each feel their location on 1012 E. 4th Street is the perfect spot for visibility, as they are next to Ten.0.Six Bar and have found that some of their customers are willing to try The Oven after enjoying the service next door.
Through the past three years, Marshall and Harlen are thankful for the customers and the progress they have made to this point.
“I just want to say thank you to the customers,” Harlen said. “Hopefully we can keep up the good service, and we try our best to give the freshest pizza.”
