Sep 303 min read

Discovering Pizza Uncommon: Artfully Crafted with Fresh Ingredients

Downtown Madison Craft Pizzeria

Zach Lee is a man passionate about good food. And by “good food” he means food that is made from the best ingredients, that serves a multitude of dietary needs, that contributes to good health.

Since February 2022, Madison has been able to find just that in the appealing form of Pizza Uncommon, at the corner of Main and West streets.

“We offer a scratch-made, uniquely crafted food experience with a menu that features pizza, breadsticks, wings, and cookies,” Zach states. Any pizzas can be made gluten-free and low-carb. There is an entire menu of 100% animal-free vegan pizzas, breadsticks, wings and cookies. Everything is cooked to order with hand-grated cheese, and fruits and vegetables that are local and organic when available. He regularly drives to Cincinnati or Louisville to obtain ingredients not available in Madison.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

He goes the extra mile. He is looking for that niche of customers who know the difference and are willing to pay a little extra for it.

As a Madison native, Zach appreciates the appeal of Pizza Uncommon’s location at 101 E. Main St. Long known as “Roger’s Corner,” it may be Madison’s busiest pedestrian corner. After a period of operating at MadPaddle Brewery, Zach latched onto his Main Street location as soon as it became available. The restaurant opened on Feb. 21, 2022.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Zach sees himself as part of a group of young entrepreneurs who are remaking Madison’s Main Street. He mentions Jordan Griffith at The Crêperie, Ralph London, and Justin Preece with Betty Jeffries and James Dell, Noah Wright at Analog Coffee & Records, and Gabby Hammersley at Off Broadway Taproom. “I know they’re going to show up every day, doing their best.”

He often cross-promotes with other downtown businesses, such as James Dell and the Creperie. Last October, the Ohio Theatre asked Pizza Uncommon to stay open until midnight for the two nights of Horror at the Ohio. Zach enjoyed working in cooperation with nearby food trucks to keep folks well-fed throughout the popular film festival. “I love food trucks!” he said. They take the pressure off businesses like his which need time to produce a meal. They draw people in and bring something exciting without added infrastructure, he added.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

As a former teacher, Zach finds pleasure in working with his young staff at Pizza Uncommon. For many, this is their first job. “Teaching is my favorite part. I think everybody should work in the food business and in the service business. This is both.”

He continues to push himself as well, challenging himself to do a better job at planning promotions ahead of time and getting the word out. He’s learning to deal with the challenges of running a business inside an old building. It’s all part of the deal when operating in a historic downtown.

Other downtown businesses are the wind beneath his wings. “The momentum seems really good. It’s good to be part of this movement. We’re pushing the envelope,” he said.

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