Westlake pizza maker retires

After a lifetime of serving up high-quality pizza and other menu delights at Pizza by Robert, I have decided to retire and pass on our recipes and traditions to new owners, MNST Consulting.

While attending The Ohio State University, I found a niche making delicious pies in my dorm community kitchen for a fundraiser for the floor. That segued into a part-time job delivering pizzas for a campus area pizzeria.  

With a loan from my parents, I partnered with family in 1981 to purchase a shop in Lakewood. In 1993, I left to open Pizza by Robert in Westlake, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The challenges of opening and sustaining a business in the food service industry are daunting. I turned to my wife, Kathy, and son, Robbie, to help build what became a west side favorite. I am grateful for the employees who provided years of dedication and kindness to help make Pizza by Robert a success.

During pandemic years, when so many restaurants permanently shuttered and carry-out food became the norm, we remained open and committed to providing safe, essential food service and continued employment for our staff.

With a desire and commitment to support my community, I donated pizza regularly to area organizations and have been involved in my church as a lector and eucharist minister, and in the West Shore Chamber of Commerce serving as president and on the board of trustees.

Entering retirement will provide time for me to begin a new chapter in my life filled with hobbies, projects, and travel. 

I’m forever grateful for customers that supported Pizza by Robert over the years and made all of the hard work worthwhile. It has been an honor to bring the best pizza from our family to yours. Thank you for so many great memories.

– Robert Kess