Boom’s Pizza is one of the newer restaurants to open in Lakewood. Opening in 2023 on the corner of Detroit and Warren, the restaurant has only been open for two years, but already draws a steady stream of customers that makes one think they have been there for years. The company has earned the community’s affection with its delicious pizza, made with natural ingredients, and it creates a warm, inviting environment for diners. Boom’s Pizza has also sparked competition among Lakewood’s pizza restaurants. The establishment works to provide the community with fresh, delicious pizza.
Chef Ben Bebenroth founded Boom’s Pizza. The restaurant carries forward the legacy of his grandfather, Carl “Boom” Bebenroth, a man who lived through the Great Depression, served in World War I and loved to support his community. In memory and love for him, Chef Ben named the business after him. It is now known as Lakewood’s famous Boom’s Pizza.
Chef Ben had a previous business, called Spice Kitchen & Bar, before the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. After creating Boom’s Pizza, he utilized his previous business, Spice, to cater Boom’s for special events all around Lakewood.
At Boom’s Pizza, we decided that interviewing a customer and a worker would help us get the inside scoop on what makes their pizza place better than others in the area. Lakewood has more than 15 pizza restaurants, so what’s their secret? What makes them better than the rest? Talking to customers Ashley Berna, Jenny Wilson, and Greg Wilson, we got a true picture of what makes their shop special. They said, “We love Boom’s. They catered our wedding.” They also added, “So I just like to support Ben and his business.”
Boom’s Pizza takes pride in using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients sourced from local businesses, making Lakewood a special place for the community. Boom’s worker Dylan Schmidt said, “The quality of the ingredients and the amount of dedication we put into each item.” This high standard of ingredients sets Boom’s apart from other local businesses. When asked to describe Boom’s pizza in one word, customers agreed: Wilson said, “Definitely fresh.”
Schmidt said Boom’s busiest time is “Fridays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.” He added, “We handle it by all working together and collaborating, as a team.” Boom’s Pizza hires local youth, directing them to help build teamwork and real-life skills to succeed outside the pizzeria. Not only is this helpful for the adults and teenagers who work there, but it is also essential to the community, making Lakewood a better place.
There was only one thing left to do: taste Boom’s most ordered pizza, pepperoni, ourselves. When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with smiles and warm hellos immediately. After ordering our pizza and sitting down, it didn’t take long before a hot, fresh pizza was set on our table. The pizza looked cheesy, fresh, crispy, and delicious. Having vegan and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions makes them more included.
Customers Wilson and Berna said, “Anytime that someone recommends a pizza shop, I’m saying yes,” referring to Boom’s. They love that it offers vegetarian options and that it’s somewhere they can always go for a good, fresh, and wild pizza.
Boom’s is more than just a new pizza place in town; it embodies inclusive food, high quality and a great atmosphere. It shows how a small business can be more than just a store. One of the reasons Lakewood is so special is that it is filled with local businesses that give back to the community. Boom’s is one of those restaurants that puts dedication and heart into every pizza it makes, providing the community with the highest quality product. Overall, Boom’s Pizza serves fresh, delicious pizza using only the best products from local businesses and companies, while aiming to give back to the community and be more than just a pizza restaurant.