ABOUT US - GJP Italian Eatery: The joy and gem of Oswego!
“When you love what you do, it’s easy to find joy in it.”
- Larry Miller, owner/manager, GJP Italian Eatery
Larry Miller loves what he does.
As owner and manager of GJP Italian Eatery, along with partners Nicky Loomis and Ryan Gunther, Miller finds great joy in running Oswego's only locally-owned and independently-operated New York style pizzeria. And since opening in 2015, it’s become a major favorite among Oswego residents.
“Since starting, we’ve met so many people in the community, heard their stories, met their families, and gotten to know them on a much deeper level - that’s one of the best parts for me,” he says.
Miller, a lifelong Oswego resident and humanist at heart, says he loves the community connection that comes with running the restaurant. He’s also too humble to tell you how amazingly successful it has become since opening in 2015.
But read any of the glowing online reviews, and it’s easy to see why GJP is quickly becoming the town’s top spot for pizza, wings, subs, pasta, parmesan, or any of the other fresh and delicious Italian dishes on the big menu.
Moreover, GJP was awarded “Best Traditional Wings” at Oswego’s famed WingFest and is recognized widely as Oz’s go-to eatery for catering, whether golf tournaments, youth and adult sports events, and major venues hosted by local companies.
Evidently, “downstate food with an upstate flare,” as Miller describes it, is a big hit in Oswego.
That flare, combined the freshest and most wholesome ingredients, as well as Miller’s love for his craft, is what routinely draws big crowds with big appetites to GJP.
Where others cut corners to cut cost, Miller works hard to deliver supreme food and an authentic dining experience.
“We focus on keeping things fresh and homemade,” says Miller, who begins every morning at 5 a.m. in the kitchen, preparing his signature all-natural, handmade sub rolls and pizza dough made from completely unbleached, unbromated, and untreated flour. Add to this always-fresh (never frozen) chicken breasts, hand sliced top quality meats, farm-fresh veggies, and select cheeses (just to name a few) and you have a time-tested, highly flavorful, and patron-approved recipe for success.
Beyond top-notch food, whether dine-in, take-out, or delivery, GJP offers a unique experience atypical of similar fast casual pizza/Italian restaurants.
As one online reviewer gleamed, “I was delighted to see real plates and flatware during our most recent visit instead of disposable!” Another says, “if you're looking for great food at a reasonable price with great customer service, this is the place to go.”
As Miller puts it, “we’re all about providing a world-class experience in a small town.”
Having completely eliminated the use of Styrofoam, switching to LED lighting, and upgrading to more efficient ovens, they’ve also worked hard to speed up delivery times, which ensures the hottest and freshest food arrives quickly at their customers’ doorsteps.
Indeed, little things make big differences. And in Miller’s case, having a big heart and a love for what he does makes GJP one of Oswego NY’s most beloved gems.
“I love what I do, and I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to serve the community with it,” Miller says.
It is a love that shows in his work, evidenced by a quality product, and keeps hungry customers coming through the door to share in the joy.