From their unique story to incredible flavors, this food truck has become a favorite here in Wheeler District — and now they’re getting ready to open their first brick-and-mortar. Learn how American Gothic Pizza started, what sets them apart, and what you can expect from their new location coming soon.

Backyard Beginnings

Before American Gothic Pizza became a food truck, it started with a backyard oven and a craving for connection during the pandemic. In 2021, Brian and Cheryl began making wood-fired pizzas for friends and neighbors using a portable oven they set up at home. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a small catering business, and by 2022, their setup had grown into the food truck that’s now a favorite around Wheeler District.

But long before the first slice hit a plate in Oklahoma, Brian and Cheryl had already spent years in the pizza world. Originally from Oklahoma City, they moved to Texas in 2008, where Brian worked as a business consultant and Cheryl served as the office manager at their church. One of Brian’s clients wanted to open an Italian pizzeria and asked Brian to come to Italy to learn how it was done. That trip led to two successful restaurants in Frisco, Texas, called Pizzeria Testa, and started what would become a lasting passion for pizza and hospitality.

Behind the Name

The name “American Gothic Pizza” came from a quick photo at a catering event. A friend told Brian and Cheryl, “Hold the pizza peels, and don’t smile — like that painting.” They posted the picture online, and another friend commented: “American Gothic Pizza.” At the time, it was a joke. But as bookings picked up and the business grew, it stuck.

Over time, the name started to feel more meaningful. “We see pizza as a canvas,” Brian said. For them, it’s about honoring tradition with their Neapolitan dough, while still making space to tell their own story through every pizza they create.

“When you taste something you love,” Cheryl added, “you want to share it. It connects us. It’s more than just nutrition — it’s part of our story.”

They’ve even come to see themselves as the painting’s figures: “The gothic arch window — that’s the dough,” Brian said. “And we’re the pioneers in front of it.”

How It’s Made

When tasting their flavorful pizza, you’d never guess that the crust is made with only four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. But that’s exactly how it’s done in Italy — simple and intentional. “That’s the way Italians make their authentic pizzas,” Brian said. “We don’t use sugar or oil. Just time.”

The secret to their flavor? A long, room temperature fermentation process that allows the dough to fully develop. “The fermentation is doing the hard work,” Brian explained. “It breaks down the flour, makes it easier to digest, and adds all the flavor.” Their dough is always made 24 hours before use — never frozen, never rushed.

That same attention to quality extends across their menu. They make their own sauce, sausage, barbecue chicken, and chili, and only use fresh mozzarella and ingredients they trust. “We want to know what’s going into our food, so we can give people the best quality,” Brian said.

Another key to their Neapolitan-style pizza is the cooking process. The oven floor reaches around 700 degrees, which cooks each pizza in just 60 to 90 seconds. That speed is essential — it keeps the crust crisp on the outside while maintaining just enough moisture inside. “That moisture is the life,” Brian said. “You don’t want to cook it all out. You want to feel the dough, taste the freshness.”

Fun fact: A full 12” Margherita pizza from American Gothic Pizza has fewer calories than a large order of fries from Chick-fil-A!

Customer Favorites

While classics like pepperoni and Margherita are always bestsellers, some of American Gothic Pizza’s most-loved menu items are the ones with a story behind them.

One of their most popular pizzas is The Daniel San, named after their son Daniel and inspired by The Karate Kid. It’s a sauce-less pizza topped with four cheeses, soppressata, roasted tomatoes, and finished with a drizzle of Sriracha and honey.

Another fan favorite is the Temple of Doom, which brings the heat with spicy sauce, soppressata, mozzarella, and pickled jalapeños, all balanced out with honey ricotta dolloped on top. It’s become one of their most ordered pizzas in Oklahoma.

When asked about his personal favorite, Brian said, “I always say the pizza that I’m eating.” But if he had to choose, he’d go with The Italian Job: The Sequel, which features soppressata, roasted sweet peppers, and ricotta. “It hits every note,” he said.

And for those unsure about trying something new? Just ask. “That’s why you cut pizza in slices — so you can share it,” Brian said.

What’s Next for American Gothic Pizza?

After becoming a neighborhood favorite in the Wheeler District, American Gothic Pizza is gearing up for their next big step — their very own brick-and-mortar location on Wheeler Street! For Brian and Cheryl, it’s more than a business expansion — it’s a meaningful opportunity. “We really see it as a privilege,” they shared.

The new restaurant will lean into their namesake, blending the charm of an American farmhouse with the distinctive style of the American Gothic painting. The artwork itself will hang on the wall, and five gothic arch windows will allow customers to peek into the kitchen and watch pizzas being made. The space will also feature a patio and bar tops in addition to regular seating, creating a welcoming space for everyone to gather and connect.

While pizza will always be the star, the new location will bring a few exciting additions to the menu: a rosemary focaccia sandwich, panzanella and kale Caesar salads, bruschetta, cookies, and house-made gelato. They also plan to have a bar featuring drinks like sangria slushies and margaritas to pair with Margherita Mondays.

What excites them most, though, is continuing to connect with the Wheeler community. “The best thing about Wheeler is the community,” they said. “We feel loved and accepted here.” They even plan to offer golf cart pizza delivery to nearby homes — another way to stay connected while keeping things convenient.

Follow, Order, Eat!

Until the new restaurant opens in Summer 2025, you can still catch American Gothic Pizza around the Wheeler District. Their food truck is parked on Spoke Street two days a week — Mondays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Fridays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with special appearances on Tuesday Crit nights from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Mondays also bring a deal worth stopping for: their Margherita Monday special features a 10” Margherita pizza for just $6 or a 12” for $9 — a perfect introduction to their fresh, wood-fired style.

You can follow along on Instagram and Facebook @AmericanGothicPizzaOKC for the latest updates, pop-up announcements, and behind-the-scenes looks. Craving a slice ahead of time? Orders can be placed online at americangothicpizza.com for quick, convenient pickup.