An Eastern Iowa Pizza Place Celebrated 70 Years in Business in 2023

Congratulations to an Eastern Iowa pizza place for 70 years of success! Mabe's Pizza in Decorah is continuing to celebrate their 70-year anniversary in 2023!

Mabe's Pizza has been a staple in Decorah since 1953. That's when 49-year-old Mabel "Mabe" White opened Mabel’s Lunchroom at the corner of College Drive and Leif Erickson Drive. According to an article from the Driftless Journal, the restaurant initially served sandwiches, but then Mabe was introduced to something new... pizza! The article reads:

"Historians recall Mabel was asked by a Luther student if he could make her a pizza. She wasn’t familiar with the concept, as pizzas were virtually unheard of in Iowa back in those days. The restaurant owner decided to branch out into the pizza business, thanks to a growing Luther population from the Chicago area and their love for the Italian favorite."

In 1968, Mabe officially changed the name of the restaurant to Mabe's Pizza, and the rest is history! It had several locations over the years, but the restaurant moved to its current spot at 110 East Water Street in 1978.

According to Visit Decorah, Mabe's Pizza is "best known for their square-cut, thin-crust pizza --- with 100,000+ served each year!" Specialty pizzas include Taco Supreme, BBQ, Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Mushroom Alfredo, Philly Cheese Steak, and more. The menu also offers appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salad, pasta, and broasted chicken.

Mabe passed away at the age of 97 back in 2002, but the restaurant is still in the family. Her son Don and his wife Mamie took over when she retired in the early 80s, then Mabel’s grandson Steve and his wife Connie started running the business in 1999. Today, Mabel’s great-grandson Collin is the general manager, and he even named his daughter after her!

Mabe's Pizza has been celebrating their 70th anniversary since the beginning of the year, offering monthly specials and giveaways on their Facebook page. They are currently giving away a free large pizza everyday in December! All you have to do is like and follow the official Facebook page and then tag two friends in the post.

Mabe's Pizza is open daily for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. The hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.