It was the rugged year of 1879 when on the winding Chisholm Trail, a man by the name of Roy… known as “Rowdy Roy” by those who knew him due to his boisterous antics, embarked on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Rowdy Roy was not your typical frontiersman; he was known for his boisterous laugh, adventurous spirit, and an insatiable appetite for a good meal. One fateful day, deep in the heart of the untamed Wild West, Rowdy Roy stumbled upon a campfire gathering of fellow travelers.

As the campfire crackled and the stars above flickered, Rowdy Roy was struck by an irresistible craving for something more than the usual trail fare.

He decided to attempt the impossible – perfecting a pizza in the midst of the wilderness. With the spirit of a true pioneer, he set out to gather the ingredients he needed.

Rowdy Roy’s pizza adventure began with a simple but hearty dough made from flour, water, a pinch of salt, and a dash of wild yeast he had collected on his journey. He kneaded the dough under the moonlight, feeling the rhythm of the wilderness that surrounded him.

For the sauce, he utilized sun-ripened tomatoes that he had preserved from a previous expedition. He added a hint of crushed garlic, dried oregano, basil and a touch of dried chili peppers for an extra kick. “Make it Rowdy!”, he chortled, his eyes twinkling in the ambience of camp fire light, as pipe smoke gently danced above his head.

The aroma that wafted through the camp was enough to make even the most grizzled travelers’ mouths water.

Now, Rowdy Roy’s secret weapon was his insistence on toppings, abundant and reaching all the way to the edge. He piled on slices of wild mushrooms, thin shavings of smoked buffalo meat, freshly picked herbs, and handfuls of grated cheese, which he had carried in a pouch slung over his shoulder.

With his improvised campfire oven—a stack of stones and a cast-iron skillet—he carefully slid the pizza onto the hot surface, the sizzling sound music to his ears. He watched as the cheese melted and bubbled, the aroma intensifying with each passing minute.

As the pizza cooked to perfection, the aroma lured in his fellow travelers, who had initially scoffed at his culinary ambitions. But when Rowdy Roy pulled the steaming masterpiece from the makeshift oven and sliced it into generous portions, their skepticism turned to awe.

With joyous laughter and full stomachs, Rowdy Roy’s newfound friends devoured the wild, flavorful pizza that had been born on the Chisholm Trail. They toasted to his culinary skills and declared him the unofficial “Chisholm Trail Pizza King.”

From that day forward, Rowdy Roy’s pizzas became legendary among trailblazers and explorers, all thanks to his insistence on plenty of toppings, all the way to the edge. And as they continued their journey along the Chisholm Trail, they carried with them not only memories of the untamed wilderness but also the taste of Rowdy Roy’s unforgettable pizza, a symbol of camaraderie and adventure in the Wild West.

It’s rumored that if you return to that very campsite to this day, you’ll hear Rowdy Roy’s chant…… “Make it Rowdy……. toppings all the way to the edge ……”

And, that, my friends is the story of “Rowdy Roy”.

Lynn Lekse, Livermore C.A.

Lynn’s first Round Table Pizza location in Livermore CA. He opened it in 1976, as one of Round Table’s first franchisees. This location would later become the number one store in the entire Round Table Pizza system.

A quick note from Ben Pedersen, one of the founders of Rowdy Roy’s Pizza Co ……..

This isn’t my first time in the “pizza business”. I spent around a decade managing 2 Round Table Pizza franchises with my friend and “pizza mentor”, Lynn Lekse, who had been running those same 2 restaurants since 1976 in Livermore CA.

Lynn was not only a legend in the pizza scene all around CA, he was a man with a big heart who cared deeply for his employees and his community.
It was not uncommon to find Lynn being the first to volunteer his time and resources whenever someone needed anything at all. He was a kind and generous man who positively impacted the lives of countless people in and around Livermore.

As we set out to build our own brand in the pizza space, I feel it is important to take a pause to remember Lynn. If not for Lynn, I would not be in a place to fulfill my own vision. The years of wisdom Lynn instilled upon me is obvious, as I find myself drawing from his experience every day.

I would like to take a break from the story of Rowdy Roy just long enough to talk about Lynn; Lynn would love these stories……

For the decade or so I had the privilege of working alongside Lynn, I wasn’t only a student of his wisdom; we also forged an enduring friendship.

Lynn was more than just a mentor; he was a culinary genius who generously shared with me his knowledge of the pizza business. Lynn’s passion for crafting perfect pies, his commitment to exceptional customer service, and his unyielding work ethic were contagious. Lynn’s guidance not only shaped my professional journey but also my personal growth.

Although Lynn is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every pizza we serve at “Rowdy Roys Pizza Co.” Here we strive to honor his legacy. Using the freshest ingredients and the most delectable toppings, we craft our pizzas with the same dedication; upon which Lynn insisted.

Rowdy Roys Pizza Co. isn’t just about pizza; more a tribute to Lynn’s enduring influence. Each time you savor one of our pizzas, you are experiencing the delicious heritage he left behind.

Our mission is to continue serving our community the way Lynn served his……. with the same love, care, and commitment to quality that he exemplified.

Lynn, your memory will forever live on. Rowdy Roy’s Pizza Co. is a testament to the enduring impact you had on me.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your friendship, and your love of pizza. I promise to carry your legacy forward, one slice at a time.

I hope you can see me. I strive to make you proud. As you’d always tell me…… “Inspect What You Expect…..”

At Rowdy Roy’s Pizza Company, we honor the timeless traditions of the frontier along the famed Chisholm Trail. Our commitment is unwavering – we make pizza the way it was crafted out west. Each day, our dough is handcrafted from scratch, ensuring a freshness that echoes the spirit of the trailblazers. Baked on stone decks, our crust boasts a perfect blend of crispiness on the outside and fluffiness on the inside. Our toppings, prepared fresh, stretch generously to the edge of every pizza, embodying the authentic flavors of the Chisholm Trail. This isn’t just pizza; it’s a journey back to the heart of the frontier, where every slice tells a tale of the wild west. Join us in savoring the legacy at Rowdy Roy’s Pizza Company.