Listen up, pizza lovers! This week, the Fit Foodie took a slight detour from the usual health-conscious eats to dive deep into something that’s simply too good to pass up—pizza. And not just any pizza. I’m talking about the crispy, cheesy, fresh-out-the-oven perfection that is Momma Ramona’s, Mooresville’s newest pizza joint, created by two hometown best friends turned business partners, Tyler Cherry and Nate Pillow.
A Friendship Built on Dough and Dreams
Tyler and Nate grew up together right here in the Lake Norman area, attending school from kindergarten through senior year. After going their separate ways for a bit, they reunited to follow their shared dream—bringing top-tier pizza to their hometown. The duo first tested their ingredients and process in a cloud kitchen in Charlotte before deciding to open their first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Mooresville. The goal? A simple, focused menu serving the best pizza possible.
One of the things I love most about these guys is their commitment to keeping things local. They shop at area grocery stores for their off-season toppings and plan to work with local farmers markets for fresh, seasonal ingredients as they grow. Supporting the community that raised them is at the heart of their business, and it shows in every aspect of Momma Ramona’s.
Pizza Tested by the Experts (Themselves!)
When Steve and I asked how they chose the best meats for their pizzas, Nate didn’t hesitate with his answer: “With our own tongues.” As a business owner myself, I respect that level of honesty. They’re not out here cutting corners—every ingredient has been tested, tasted, and perfected before making it to your plate.
Nate, the true pizza expert of the duo, has spent years working in different pizza kitchens, perfecting his craft. But his love for pizza goes back even further. He told me about his first job as a pizza delivery driver and how much he loved hearing kids scream, “The pizza is here!” as he walked up to their doors. That moment of pure joy stuck with him, and now, he gets to be part of that excitement again—except this time, he’s making the pizzas himself.
His passion runs deep, but don’t ask him how he feels about Hawaiian pizza. HE views pineapple as a side not a topping which made me laugh. Still, despite his strong feelings, it’s on the menu because, hey, the people love it!
The Fit Foodie (Accidentally) Eats Too Much Pizza
I’ll be real with you—I don’t really eat bread. But after watching Nate stretch the dough and hearing Steve rave about the crispy-yet-chewy crust, I had to dive in. Spoiler alert: I ate way too much and spent the rest of the day in recovery. But was it worth it? Absolutely.
The pizza was fantastic. The crust had the perfect balance of crunch and softness, the cheese pull was next-level, and every bite was packed with flavor. Steve, my resident pizza tester for the day, is still talking about that crust days later. They also made me a fresh caprese salad with just the right ratio of cheese, tomato, and basil—simple, fresh, and delicious.
A Speedy Pizza Game-Changer
One of the coolest things about Momma Ramona’s is their unique pizza oven. Nate bragged that their pizzas go from dough stretch to box in under five minutes, and I’ll be honest—I didn’t believe him. But after watching it happen right in front of me, I can confirm that this oven is a total game-changer. Fast, efficient, and still serving up that high-quality, handcrafted taste.
For a pizza place that’s only been open a month or two, they’ve already found their groove. The menu is still evolving, but one thing that won’t change is their dedication to making awesome pizza with top-notch ingredients.
The Verdict? Just Go Try It!
Mooresville has no shortage of pizza options, but if you’re looking for something a little different—something that feels more like a wood-fired oven pizza (without the wood)—this is your spot. The quality, the passion, and the hometown pride that Tyler and Nate bring to Momma Ramona’s make it a must-try.
So, grab your kids, pick up a pie, and take it home for a family night. Trust me, Nate still loves seeing those pizza pick-ups, knowing he’s part of making someone’s night a little more special. And if you see me there? Just know I’m doing “research” (aka eating way too much pizza again).
Amber Valentine – Owner of Hotmess 2 Hotness, llc.
Meet Amber Valentine, a bold and empowering speaker known for her 300 pound transformation story. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Coach, and an expert in helping women unleash their inner Bad B. As the CEO of Hotmess 2 Hotness, LLC, Amber specializes in mindfulness techniques, healthy eating, and conquering your own B.S. and offers a 12 week fat loss program for women.
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