Old Dominion Pizza Co.

Photo collage, Old Dominion Pizza Co.

Keeping it local is the name of the game for Old Dominion Pizza Co., a pizzeria that opened January 2019. Known as the “mall alternative,” Lee Heights Shops houses mostly local businesses in the colored awning shops along Langston Boulevard (formerly Lee Highway_.

Owner John Rodas grew up in Arlington, went to Wakefield High School and started as a pizza deliverer driving his boss’ Chevrolet. He went on to manage Domino’s Pizza for 20+ years, making his way up to VP of Operations. One day John walked in for a slice of pizza at a North Arlington pizzeria and walked out with a location in mind for his future business (the space was previously home to a chain pizzeria). When it closed, John quickly moved in. His focus is on quality, service and being a local business. Drawing from his co-ownership at Spirit of 76 in Clarendon, John uses chef Charles Smith to produce homemade meatballs, sausages and caramelized onions for Old Dominion Pizza. The local touch is also seen in the décor. Because of John’s interest in history, you’ll see several Arlington memorabilia pieces on the walls. Even the pizzas are given names of the local high school mascots (the General is the most popular).

When asked about the Car-Free Diet, John says without it a third of his staff wouldn’t be able to get to work. The ART bus stop is right across the street. He mentions Vanessa, Edgar and Rogelio as part of his faithful staff that uses public transit consistently to get to work. One of the reasons John liked the location is because it gave him that small town Main Street feel. Many neighbors in Waverly Hills walk to Lee Heights Shops, reinforcing this theme. There’s a solid uptick in business around school dismissals (especially early release). Many students walk over from St. Agnes Catholic School and Dorothy Hamm Middle School. He’s also thankful for the neighborhood traffic that has quickly taken to this addition at Lee Heights Shops. He says people are more inclined to shop and support local business. With only 12 seating spaces, it fills up quickly. But you can order to go (beer and wine too). In the meantime, John is looking for additional space — hopefully in Arlington!

Learn how to go car free to Old Dominion Pizza Co.

Old Dominion Pizza Co.
4514 Langston Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22207