Hot Tomato Pizza

Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller opened Hot Tomato Pizza in 2005, bringing an East Coast pizzeria ethos to Fruita’s cycling community. The founders, who moved to the area in 2002, designed the space as a lively, no-frills counter-service spot where the focus remains squarely on the food. Pies bake in a traditional stone deck oven, utilizing dough made daily in-house alongside sauces and cooked meats prepared on-site. The kitchen sources locally raised sausage and bacon, supplementing with produce from regional growers when the season allows. The atmosphere embraces its quirks: crooked floors in the old building mean some tables sit slightly unevenly, and the casual vibe includes loud music and long lines during peak hours. Patrons eat their slices off paper plates, a detail that reinforces the authentic New York and New Jersey style roots of the menu. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., closing on Sundays and Mondays. A biked-themed backdrop adds visual character to the dining area, complementing the microbrews available alongside the elaborate homemade pies.