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

Food

By Jahz Tello, Videographer

Published 8 months ago on

April 17, 2024

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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)

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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 .