by Cheryl Jerabek
Dark Sky Pie Pizza: Celebrating Norwood’s Celestial Status
On Labor Day, 2022, the husband-and-wife team, Jaime Katherine Schultz and Jeffrey Perce, opened the doors of Dark Sky Pie Pizza at 1615 Grand Ave.
“We came to Norwood in 2017 with the intent of opening a restaurant eventually,” Jaime said. “Jeffrey worked in Telluride until the Coopers decided to close Maggie’s Pizza.” The two jumped on the opportunity and their new pizzeria was born.
The name of the establishment is as original as its menu. “We chose the name Dark Sky Pie because we are in love with the night sky here in Norwood, and so inspired that we wanted to celebrate one of the many things that makes this place so special,” Jaime explained.
Dark Sky Pie takes pride in delivering on-time, friendly service and delicious food made with love and local ingredients. Offerings include scratch-made pizzas, sandwiches, wings, salads, and more. With accommodations for gluten-intolerant and allergy-sensitive patrons, the pizzeria ensures an inclusive dining experience.
“We try to source our ingredients from local producers whenever possible,” stated Jaime. “We use Red Rose Flour from Cortez Milling Company, Rockin W cheese that’s produced in Olathe, and produce from the Fresh Food Foundation whenever it is in season. We look forward to utilizing local meats this year for our weekly specials, and Jeffrey makes weekly visits to the Farmer’s Market when it is open in the summer. One of our best-selling selections is the Farmer’s Market special, topped with fresh local produce.”
The couple recycles all cardboard, cans, glass, and metal from the restaurant and even utilizes the produce for compost – demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.
The inconsistent nature of running a small-town business presents its fair share of challenges. Striking a balance between keeping prices low and covering the higher costs of local ingredients can prove to be a complex task.
“Eventually, we will be forced to raise prices, and that’s not our favorite part of the business,” Jaime commented, “Otherwise, serving Norwood is a pleasure. We love our community and couldn’t ask for a better place to be in business.”
Even with a time-consuming business and a five-year-old son, Jaime is involved in the West End Dark Sky Alliance and was previously a member of the Town Board of Trustees.
“Food builds community, and we believe that feeding people is a community service,” Jaime said. “If we could do it for free, we would.”
Jaime loves engaging with the community through friendly conversation over the counter. Having their son Oliver at the pizzeria much of the time adds a family feel to the business.
“When folks come in to pick up a pizza, they get to spend a little time with our whole family. Often, people come in just a little earlier than their pickup time just to chat and see what Oliver is up to,” Jaime added. “Our family feels very connected to the community; we love being a part of the fabric of Norwood.”