OG ZaZa, a highly anticipated pizza spot, recently opened in Shakopee near Canterbury Park, joining an array of new businesses in the developing area.
Photo by Alesha Taylor
The 60-seat restaurant captures the essence of nostalgia with old-school arcade games and a vibrant interior filled with pop art. Tomato cans line high shelves, and light fixtures are made out of wooden pizza peels. The kiosk ordering system is very easy to use, but don’t worry—the chefs are right there, behind glass partitions, ready to greet you as you walk in. Your ’za is never made “in the back” and instead, the process is completely visible. Behind the chefs, you’ll see a giant pizza oven that can hold 25 pies at one time.
Owned by seasoned chef Josh Hedquist (and three-time winner of Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games”), OG ZaZa complements his other ventures—Joey Meatballs and Salad Slayer—located in the Rosedale Center’s POTLUCK Food Hall. The Shakopee location is storefront No. 2 for the ‘za brand.
This new location in Greystone Construction’s Winners Circle development is not only a milestone for Hedquist but also adds to the growing culinary landscape that includes Bravis Craft Mexican Kitchen, Badger Hill Brewing, and Mr. Pig’s Smokery.
Hedquist, who grew up in the Twin Cities, first fell in love with New Haven-style pizza while working in the restaurant industry on the East Coast. Now back in Minnesota, he focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to craft the perfect thin-crust pie. “All our ingredients are made from scratch—we even make our own pickles [for the Big Dilly],” he emphasizes. “You can actually pronounce everything and where it’s from.” Traditional New Haven pizzas are baked in coal-fired brick ovens, producing a slightly charred crust. The hot, dry heat of coal creates a crisp bottom and a chewy texture, unlike wood-fired ovens that release steam.
What truly sets OG ZaZa apart is the meticulous care taken with the dough, which rests for an impressive five days before being rolled out. This dedication creates a crust that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and chewy. The pizzas, made with unbleached flour and baked in a high-temperature, open-face oven, boast unique flavors including the Parma (prosciutto, arugula, gorgonzola, mozzarella, hot honey, and a Parm blend), the Sicilian (mozzarella, sausage, shishito peppers, oregano, tomato sauce, and Parm), and the Fat Joe (mozzarella, salami, onion, olive, tomato sauce, and Parm). Oh, and don’t forget the 2-foot-long Big Azz Breadstick.
We tried the Carbonara, topped with an egg yolk sauce for added richness, and the Lil Roni, featuring cupping pepperoni with a subtle spicy kick. The Carbonara has Italian bacon, mozzarella, pecorino, black pepper, and an ooey-gooey, delicious yolk sauce topping that subtly cooks atop the hot pie once it’s poured on. The Lil Roni is definitely a classic and is Hedquist’s best seller. For those with a hearty appetite, the Big Roni is a must-try, showcasing an impressive two pounds (!!!) of pepperoni.
The Shakopee menu also features the Happy Pizza Meal for kids—an 8” personal pizza for $9. The pizza box doubles as a coloring book, while the pie cools. As a father of four, Hedquist says he aims to create a “guilt-free” dining experience for families, keeping ingredients clean and simple.
Beyond the exceptional food, Hedquist is committed to philanthropy, actively donating to local causes and ensuring that his success translates into positive community impact. On a few occasions, Hedquist has been approached by Josh Liljenquist, a southern Minnesota influencer with a TikTok following of more than 7M. Liljenquist has gone viral for buying food from local restaurants and in turn, feeding the homeless population. He has videos of both Hedquist’s OG ZaZa pizza trailer and Joey Meatballs.
“I’m just trying to make good pizza, with a ’90s nostalgic vibe, while giving back to the community,” Hedquist says.
OG ZaZa, 2885 Winners Circle Drive, Shakopee, 952-522-7622
