Tucked inside the VFW in Delran, Pace Family Pizza isn’t just another weekend pop-up; it’s the embodiment of a lifelong pursuit rooted in flour, fire, and family.
Run by Rich and Debb Pace, former Northeast Philadelphia natives now raising their family in Palmyra, the operation reflects decades of hands-on experience in the pizza world. For them, pizza has always been a constant presence in their lives.
Rich’s foundation was built over more than a decade at Tony’s Place in Mayfair, where he learned not only how to make a proper tomato pie, but what it takes to run a shop with consistency and pride. That experience created the blueprint for what Pace Family Pizza is becoming today.
Their journey hasn’t been rushed. They started small, operating an underground pizza shop out of their garage (iykyk), where word quickly spread and the fun eventually ended 12 weeks later. A serendipitous opportunity arose at the VFW Post 3020 to utilize their modest commercial kitchen for a backdoor pizza business. Now, every weekend, they’re proudly slinging pizzas and racking up new fans.
The model is intentional. Orders are placed through a weekly form released on Wednesdays, with staggered pickup times from 4 to 8 p.m. It’s a system designed for quality over chaos, ensuring every pie comes out hot and fresh.
The menu is tight but thoughtful: eight varieties ranging from a classic cracker-thin tomato pie to a white pie layered with spinach and tomato, all priced accessibly between $15 and $19.
And that’s what makes Pace Family Pizza stand out. They’re focused on doing their pizza exceptionally well.
And well done it is. For anyone who loves a sturdy, crisp slice—“no flop” if you will—this is the pizza for you. Their motto, “Thin. Crispy. Delicious,” couldn’t be more accurate. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, complemented by their signature tomato sauce, high-quality low-moisture mozzarella, and fresh toppings, which have already cultivated a loyal following.
But beyond the crust, sauce, and technique, there’s something deeper at play. This is a busy family building toward something bigger—a future brick-and-mortar, a legacy their kids can grow up in, and a place where the community feels like it belongs. Here’s hoping that dream comes true, and they can leave their day jobs—Rich at Lockheed Martin and Debb as an infusion nurse at Penn Medicine—so they can pursue their pizza-making passion full-time.
Pace Family Pizza isn’t just chasing a dream. They’re quietly, deliberately building it—one perfectly crispy tomato pie at a time in an unexpected location. Place your order, pick it up, or dine in over a beer at the VFW Post 3020 in Delran. You’ll have discovered South Jersey’s best-kept pizza secret. You’re welcome!
More about Tony’s history here and why the Paces are eager to introduce South Jersey to this style of pizza that, according to my recollection, cannot be found anywhere else in SJ. Of course, the family still runs an off-shoot of the original location in Ivyland, PA. If you’re wondering, please go visit them, they’d love to have you!
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.