276. Uncovering Hidden History: The Now Pizzeria's 1881 Time Capsule

This week on The Hot Slice Podcast, hosts Joelene and Joel Best shared an extraordinary discovery that has captivated their Hamburg, New York community and pizza lovers everywhere. What started as a routine renovation project at The Now Pizzeria transformed into an archaeological adventure when contractors uncovered a newspaper from 1881 hidden within the building's walls.

The discovery happened during exterior renovations at the historic pizzeria, located right on Main Street in the village of Hamburg. When contractors began removing three layers of siding to prepare for new exterior work, they reached the original vertical plank boards—and that's when history revealed itself.

"He found a newspaper article from 1881 behind the boards, and he showed it to me," Joelene Best explained during the podcast interview. "I was like, that's so cool, you need to get that out for me. And he's like, What are you going to do with that? I'm like, I don't know. I'm like, I want to frame it. I just want to see it."

The newspaper, identified as "Our Fair" with a New York address, was remarkably preserved despite being tucked away for nearly 150 years. According to Hamburg Town Historian Jim Baker, this type of discovery isn't uncommon—newspapers were often used as insulation in mid-1800s construction, helping keep weather out of buildings.

But for the Best family, this find represented something much more significant than just old insulation material. It connected them directly to their building's rich history and sparked an obsession with uncovering more details about the structure they've called home for decades.

Her research revealed fascinating details about the building's past. Before becoming The Now Pizzeria in 1969, the structure housed various businesses throughout its history, with records showing it served as women's clothing stores dating back to at least 1903. The building itself appears to have been constructed around 1881, based on the newspaper discovery.

The Now Pizzeria's story is deeply intertwined with the Best family legacy. Joel Best began working at the restaurant in 1973 while still in high school, eventually purchasing it in 1982 after nine years of dedication. For 41 years, he built the business into a community cornerstone, maintaining original recipes while expanding the menu from just pizza and subs to include wings, tacos, and various fried foods.

The transition to the next generation happened seamlessly when Joelene and her sister took over ownership in May 2023. Both had worked at the pizzeria for 30 years, with Joelene handling bookkeeping, payroll, and ordering long before officially becoming an owner. "It still doesn't feel real, to be honest," she admitted during the podcast.

The restaurant's iconic Orange Crush sign, installed in summer 1970, has become a beloved landmark. Grandfather-claused as the only pole sign on Main Street, it serves as a beacon for locals and a nostalgic touchstone for visitors. "A lot of times when people's kids go away to college, and then they come home, they always say that they don't feel like they're home until they see the Orange Crush sign," Joelene shared.

The recent renovations that led to the newspaper discovery represent more than just cosmetic improvements. The project included new siding, windows, and a permanent awning for their patio, plus energy efficiency upgrades that will help during Hamburg's notoriously harsh winters. The front room is receiving a complete facelift while maintaining the restaurant's vintage charm.

As football season approaches—with the Bills' stadium just five minutes away—The Now Pizzeria prepares for its busiest time of year. Sunday game days bring crowds of hungry fans, and the restaurant's strategic location makes it a natural gathering spot for the community