Thanksgiving Eve 'like a Friday on a Wednesday' for Valley pizza places

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest night's of the year for pizza places.
Beginning at noon on Wednesday, our calls to Wedgewood Pizza in Austintown were already getting a busy signal. When we did speak with the store manager, Mike Christy, he said the night before Thanksgiving will be "like a Friday on a Wednesday."
Christy said because no one wants to cook the night before a day spent in the kitchen, pizza is a popular choice.
Wedgewood, like some other pizza places we spoke with, say customers can expect slightly longer than normal wait times.
Wedgewood in Austintown told 21 News they sold out of pizza Wednesday by 7 p.m.
Uptown Pizza in Liberty encouraged customers to call ahead. Uptown Supervisor, Starr Campbell, also said their shop has been selling "gallons and gallons" of their Italian Wedding Soup.
At Belleria Pizza on Wick Avenue in Youngstown, the owner, Michael Liberato, said they prepped additional dough in anticipation of a busier night. But, Liberato said overall it's been a slower November. He believes many people are out Christmas shopping early due to reports of supply shortages and concerns of not getting the gifts they want ahead of the Christmas holiday.
The night before Thanksgiving is also a traditionally busy night for bars as college students return home to visit with friends and family.