It's been quite a year, and Jon Sunderlage is celebrating! Celebrating the one-year anniversary of JonnyO's Pizzeria on April 3rd.

From the beginning, Jon Sunderlage has made pizza about the community of Belleville using local ingredients and supporting individuals, businesses, and organizations.

In honor of his one-year anniversary throughout 2021, for every Firehouse pizza sold, Jon will donate $2.00 to the Belleville Fire Department.

On Saturday, April 3, he is offering a large pepperoni or cheese pizza for $6.99 and the firefighters with the Belleville Fire Department will deliver pizzas between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. He also will have random free pizza winners.

Sunderlage said that he always thought it would be cool to have a pizza place and, last year, after returning from a vacation in Hawaii to learn that the previous pizza business closed, "things happened very quickly."

"In fact, 72 hours before opening, I was still cleaning, painting, and making improvements to the pizza crust recipe with my buddy Rob Rosas," laughed Jon, who graduated from Monticello High School. "My previous pizza making experience was when I was 14- to 20-years-old working at the Citgo in Monticello selling Hot Stuff Pizza."

"We are proud to use local ingredients. Our house spent grain honey crust is made special with the spent grain from Rich and Michele Joseph's Hop Garden and locally produced honey from Gentle Breeze Honey in Mount Horeb," said Jon.

Sunderlage added that it was important to him and his staff to continue to meet the demand for pizza delivery service in Belleville.

"That's why I pushed for the April 3 opening date with a limited pizza menu," added Sunderlage.

During the last year, Sunderlage and his staff of 17, including family members and friends, have added more specialty pizzas, and other items to the menu.

Currently, JonnyO's offers a Monday Pasta Special that includes a family pasta of chicken alfredo, veggie pesto, pizzaghetti, buffalo chicken mac and cheese, an order of breadsticks with dipping sauce, and a liter of soda.

Recently, JonnyO's added wings, gyros, veggie bowls and pizza cookies or brownies to the menu.

"We've also switched to locally-made Grande cheese," said Sunderlage. "A few of the local farmers ship their milk to Grande, which has five production plants throughout Wisconsin."

"For those seeking a healthier option, we offer a keto-friendly pizza veggie bowl or a keto-friendly gluten-free cauliflower crust and a regular gluten-free cauliflower crust."

During the pandemic, JonnyO's teamed up with several other businesses in Belleville for a 'You're Essential' campaign.

"The owners of Burreson's Foods, Sugar River Bank, Christen Brothers Service, Subway, and JonnyO's teamed-up and raised $4,000 that was donated to the Belleville EMS, police and fire departments and food pantry," said Sunderlage. "We hope do to that again this year."

JonnyO's has provided other community support to the Belleville Food Pantry; the Belleville EMS, Police and Fire Departments; Sugar River Senior Center; the Meagan and Gabe Farrell family; and the Belleville Community Giving Tree sponsored by Belleville Community Health Improvement Project, several area churches and the School District of Belleville.

"Also, if there are other local groups, sports teams, charities looking to raise money, I'd love to offer a meal deal or gift card sale to help raise money for your group," added Sunderlage. "Just contact me."

For JonnyO's admiring VIP members, Sunderlage occasionally announces a free lunch on certain days at certain times. Keep following them on social media at http://www.facebook.com/groups/320879725670597.

Sunderlage added that the support from the local businesses and community has been awesome.

"We couldn't have done it without the help and support of our family members and friends, and businesses and the local communities," he added. "We work day and night to bring the pizza and service you love today!"

JonnyO's also has new pizza punch cards. "Buy 12 large or medium pizzas and get a free medium pizza," said Sunderlage. "From our local fundraising to using fresh, local ingredients, we show our dedication with our motto, 'Shop local, Support local.'"

JonnyO's Pizzeria is at 1019 River Street, near Burreson's Foods, and the hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m .; Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For pick up, delivery, or catering, please call (608) 424-0077.