Cardinal’s Pizza has been part of the North Lewisburg community since May 1, 1994, when Don Van Zant took over the shop with one simple belief: “If it’s not broken, don’t change it.”

Don wasn’t just a pizza guy—he was a mentor, a friend, and a believer in doing things the right way. He insisted on using only the highest-quality ingredients, and made it his mission to serve food that made people feel good. He was often heard saying, “Don’t go to bed hungry,” and he meant it both literally and from the heart.

He impacted generations of employees, offering listening ears, homework help, and plenty of life advice in between pizza orders. His famous reminder “Never, ever give up” remains the spirit that guides Cardinal’s to this day.

In 2012, Don received a life-saving liver transplant, and Cardinal’s has proudly supported Donate Life ever since. Don passed away in October 2023, but his legacy lives on through every order, every smile, and every fresh-baked pizza.

In 2024, longtime team member Rissa Collier stepped into the role of owner, carrying forward everything Don built. Rissa started working at Cardinal’s in 1998 at just 15½ years old, and from day one, she dreamed of one day running the place herself. Inspired by strong leaders she looked up to, Rissa set that goal early…and never stopped chasing it.

Today, she works side by side with her parents and an incredible crew who feel more like family. They still make the dough from scratch, mix the sauce by hand, and shred the cheese fresh daily—because the best food takes time, care, and a lot of love.