Photographer / Robert Jones
When David Long opened Pizza Uncommon in 2021, his mission was to give people a place that was not predictable — not like every other cookie-cutter chain — but something that’s anything but ordinary. The Pizza Uncommon brand has since expanded to Westfield and is redefining what pizza can be. With every handmade ingredient and creative topping combination comes a story of family, purpose and passion.
Before launching Pizza Uncommon, Long spent more than 15 years managing convenience stores, starting at age 20.
“My only experience with food was gas station food. Cheap, quick and not very good,” he says.
That model stuck with him, but he wanted to explore ways to upscale the quality of his own recipes.
The spark for starting a pizza business came from an entirely different place: the desire to adopt children.
“We had a dream of adopting kids internationally, but when we looked into it, the cost was upwards of $120,000,” Long says. “So we thought, maybe if we start something of our own, we can raise the money ourselves.”
That “something” became Pizza Uncommon — a family-run business with a dual mission: make food that’s not just good but good for you, and use the profits to change lives.
Everything on the menu is made in-house with a focus on health, digestibility and creativity.
“We don’t use any preservatives, and nothing comes pre-packaged,” Long says. “We make our own dough, our own sauces, shred our cheese — everything is raw and fresh. The dough itself is a sourdough hybrid, fermented for up to 124 hours for better digestion and flavor.”
What really sets Pizza Uncommon apart is its boundary-pushing menu. Think Crab Rangoon pizza, honey apple sausage or even cheddar Ritz cracker gelato.
“We just like to take risks,” Long adds. “I always ask, ‘What if we tried this?’ Whether it’s a spicy ice cream or a fruity pizza, we want to give people something they’ve never had before.”
Long personally develops every recipe.
“I’m always creating,” he says. “I’d say my favorite pizza is the next one. I love coming up with new things.”
They’ve managed to expand quickly by following a smart and sustainable model: acquiring former restaurant spaces and rebranding them instead of starting from scratch.
“We just go to the hardware store, repaint, rebrand and make it ours,” Long says. “No big loans, no outside investors.”
At its heart, Pizza Uncommon is a family business.
“It was just me and my wife when we opened our first store,” Long says. “She was taking orders while putting our baby to sleep in a shopping cart.”
The business has grown to three locations so far: two near Purdue University and one in Westfield, with around 75 employees. But the culture remains close-knit and intentional.
“Before you can be voted the best restaurant, you have to be the best place to work,” Long says. “That’s been our focus — to build a good team and treat people well.”
Walking into Pizza Uncommon, customers can expect more than just a slice. It’s a place built on family values, inclusivity and bold flavors. From dietary-friendly crusts to dairy-free gelato, everything is made with care and curiosity.
“We want it to be a fun, casual, family-friendly space,” Long says. “Somewhere kids with allergies can still enjoy a pizza.”
Pizza Uncommon is located at 3400 Nancy St in Westfield. For more information, visit them online at pizzauncommon.com/location/pizza-uncommon-westfield/ or give them a call at 317-804-3544.
