Hot Rod Willys: Driven to Bake the Perfect Chicago-Style Pizza

Food

By Jahz Tello, Videographer

Published 1 year ago on

April 17, 2024

Play Video

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The natural question is, “How did your pizza shop get its unusual name?”

Hot Rod Willy’s is at 337 E Shaw Ave Suite 101 on the southwest corner at Fresno Street.

Eric Fick, who might be the most passionate restaurateur GV Wire has ever met, answers: “We named it after my truck.”

That “truck” is a tricked-out 1952 Willys four-wheel drive.

Eric Fick named his East Shaw Avenue pizza shop after his 1952 Willys. (GV Wire/Jahz Tello)

You might say that Fick and his wife are driven to serve up the perfect Chicago-style deep-dish pizza for people in Fresno and Clovis.

Understand: When Fick talks about how much cheese goes into the pie, he talks about pounds — not ounces.

He says the eatery was supposed to be a retirement project but has quickly grown beyond his expectations.

“I love the food culture in Fresno,” he said. “It’s really strong.

Hot Rod Willy’s is at 337 E Shaw Ave Suite 101 on the southwest corner at Fresno Street.

Hot Rod Willys is at 337 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 101, in Fresno. (GV Wire/Jahz Tello)

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Crews Battle Active Wildfire in Yokuts Valley, Evacuation Warning Issued

DON'T MISS

Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start

DON'T MISS

Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme

DON'T MISS

His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years

DON'T MISS

Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified

DON'T MISS

Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise

DON'T MISS

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa

DON'T MISS

Why Trump Is Mad at ‘Sleazebag’ Leonard Leo

DON'T MISS

Trump Amplifies Outlandish Robot Biden Conspiracy Theory

UP NEXT

Fresno County Crews Battle Active Wildfire in Yokuts Valley, Evacuation Warning Issued

UP NEXT

Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start

UP NEXT

Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme

UP NEXT

His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years

UP NEXT

Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified

UP NEXT

Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa

UP NEXT

Why Trump Is Mad at ‘Sleazebag’ Leonard Leo

UP NEXT

Trump Amplifies Outlandish Robot Biden Conspiracy Theory

UP NEXT

Madera County Authorities Seek Public’s Help Locating Missing At-Risk Man

Jahz Tello,

Videographer

Jahz joined GV Wire in early 2018 as a Video Production Assistant and is now a Videographer. He came to us with experience in video editing and production, most recently with Fresno State Athletics. Jahz received a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia from Fresno State in 2014. He has a passion for video, music and film. In his spare time, Jahz likes to cook, catch up on current events, listen to music and exercise. You can contact him at 559-492-4016 or Send an Email .