About Dola Jean’s
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About Dola Jean’s *
Our roots are in America’s Heartland, but our tastes are drawn from anywhere and everywhere that inspires us.
Like being neighborly. Sharing good food. Taking pride in your work. And doing right by the people you care about.
Those are the values that inspired Dola Jean’s—a place where timeless recipes meet modern tastes and forging deep connections within the community is the most important item on the menu.
Meet the Team
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Rocky Shanower
CO-FOUNDER
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Walter Haver
GENERAL MANAGER
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Taylor Engel
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
A shared slice of what matters most.
Dola Jean’s was inspired by more than just great food — it was built on a deeper belief that pizza can bring people together, and that what we make (and how we make it) matters. That idea was born at our sister restaurant, Park Street Pizza, and it’s baked into everything we do here.
We believe great food starts with great ingredients — fresh, thoughtfully sourced, and in season when possible. We build relationships with local farmers and purveyors who care as much about quality as we do, and we let those ingredients shine in every slice, salad, and plate that comes out of our kitchen.
We’re not into shortcuts. We’re into real food, real community, and real connection.
From scratch-made sauces to heritage veggies, from perfectly aged cheeses to organic greens — if it goes on your plate, we’ve thought about it. Because food should make you feel good. And where it comes from should, too.
Like Park Street, we also believe our space should feel like yours — relaxed, warm, welcoming. A place to laugh with friends, bring your family, or just treat yourself after a long day. Whether you’re here for a cold drink and a quick bite or a full table and a slow night, we’re glad you came.
At Dola Jean’s, we’re carrying the Philosophy of Pie forward in our own way — with a little more spice, a touch of playfulness, and the same commitment to getting every detail just right.
Because when food is made with care, and served with heart, it’s never just pizza.
Who is Dola Jean?
We often get asked, "Who is Dola Jean?" She’s more than just a name on the door—she’s the heart and inspiration behind everything we do. Her warmth, hospitality, and love for bringing people together over good food shaped the very essence of our restaurant.
Dola Jean grew up in Ragersville, Ohio in the 30's and 40's. She married Bert "Ed" Shanower, a WWII veteran in 1947 and raised a family of 4 children. She loved taking care of others. When you came to her house, she made you feel like the most important person in the world. A special box of crispy pizzelles made just for you, or silver dollar pancakes made to order for breakfast.
Rocky Shanower, the co-founder of Dola Jean's is her grandson. Many of his first memories around pizza were experienced with her. Family gatherings always had two essential things... Swiss cheese and pizza.
Her legacy of kindness and hospitality now lives within the four walls of Dola Jean's pizzeria in downtown Dover. The hope is to allow our guests to experience the same love that Dola Jean showed to the ones she cared about.
