What began as a mobile pizza trailer serving up family recipes is now taking a permanent place in town. Chubby’s Pizza Wagon, owned by Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 429 Lawrence Avenue, marking a significant step forward for the growing local business.
Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, lifelong Ellwood City residents who now live in nearby Franklin Township, has deep ties to the community — and to the pizza business itself.
“I grew up in Ellwood City, wanted to stay in my hometown. I wish to expand our food truck menu and offer more variety of food options. Plan to offer more platter/tray catering options, grab and go items and potentially fundraising opportunities,” Stephanie said.
A Family Tradition Rekindled
The roots of Chubby’s Pizza Wagon go back much further than its official start in 2021. For Stephanie, pizza-making is both a personal passion and a family legacy.
“I grew up with my parents owning a pizza shop for 10 years. My parents Jonel Annarumo and the late Frank Annarumo operated Fombell Pizza serving Ellwood and surrounding communities. Making pizza has always been a passion for me and my husband. We always made pizza at home for family and friends. During covid we decided to start a pizza trailer and offer our family recipe again to others. Over the past 5 years our food truck business has grown. We talked for years about opening a brick and mortar and making pizza full time. This past December a building became available in our hometown, and we jumped at the opportunity,” Stephanie said.
Since launching the mobile pizza wagon, the business has built a following through local events, consistent quality, and a recognizable presence around the area.
Expansion Brings New Offerings
The upcoming storefront, expected to open in mid May, will allow Bronson and Stephanie and their team to expand beyond the limitations of a food truck.
“We will be mainly having to go orders with a few tables for dining in. We will have a grab and go cooler and freezer with various food items. Slice case will be available if customers do not want a full pizza,” she said.
In addition to pizza, the new space will support broader menu options, catering services, and potential fundraising partnerships — a move that reflects both business growth and community engagement.
While exact details are still being finalized, the Bailey’s confirmed plans for a grand opening celebration.
Hours will also evolve with the seasons, balancing the demands of the still-active food truck.
“We will have limited summer hours during our busy food truck season. Then it will transition to more days and hours when food truck season slows down,” she said.
Balancing Business, Career, and Family
Stephanie’s path to entrepreneurship is notably multifaceted. In addition to running Chubby’s Pizza Wagon, she works full-time as a Nurse Practitioner — a role that requires careful time management alongside business ownership.
Her family remains central to both her life and her work. While Bronson and Stephanie work together serving pizza; their two children Cy and Amelia help as well.
Stephanie’s mother, Jonel is still a big part of the business- bringing years of pizza knowledge and helping every step of the way.
The support of family, combined with her deep community roots, has helped shape the business into what it is today.
A Hometown Investment
For the Bailey’s, opening a permanent location in Ellwood City is more than a business decision — it’s a continuation of a lifelong connection to the area.
Having grown up and attended school in the community, they see the expansion as a way to give back while building something lasting.
With a loyal customer base already established through its mobile operation, Chubby’s Pizza Wagon is poised to become a familiar fixture in town — now with a front door in addition to four wheels.
As the ovens prepare to fire up in their new home, one thing remains unchanged: a commitment to simple, fresh pizza and the sense of connection it brings.
“There is something special about bringing people together over a hot, fresh slice of pizza and seeing the smiles it creates,” Bailey said.
Learn more:
Follow Chubby’s on Facebook and Instagram.
Call 724-636-8758.
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