The owner has tracked every pie since he was 21, and just hit a million.
The speakers blared. Streamers filled the air.
And standing in the middle of it all, Huntington’s Keesha Bailey had no idea she was the star of the show.
One minute she was waiting for her usual Saturday lunch order, and the next, the crowd inside Jonny D’s Pizza erupted in celebration.
Bailey had just unknowingly ordered the one-millionth pizza in the restaurant’s 21-year history.
“I was waiting for them to bring out my pie and all of a sudden, the music inside got louder,” she said. “Then the streamers came out. I didn’t realize it was for me at first, but when I did, I was astonished. Totally shocked.”
The scene played out Saturday afternoon at Jonny D’s, a longtime favorite at 946 New York Avenue in Huntington.
How it happened
Bailey had stopped in to grab lunch for her family after watching a high school football game, something she’s done countless times before.
But this time, she walked out with far more than lunch — she left with a full year of free pizza.
Owner Jonathon Dawson says he’s been meticulously logging every pizza since opening 21 years ago. He wanted the milestone moment to be memorable — and it sure was.
Bailey, who’s been a regular for about a decade, says she usually stops by once a week.
“I love their grilled chicken caesar salad, but this time thankfully we were in the mood for plain pizza,” she said with a laugh.
Her prize came with instant fame, too.
Later that evening, while picking up dinner at Chipotle, Bailey said other customers recognized her from a celebration video Jonny D’s had posted online.
“That was fun, feeling like a celebrity is an understatement,” she said. “I’ve also been getting so many phone calls, texts and Facebook messages.”
As for how she plans to wrap up her winning streak, Bailey already has it mapped out.
“We get our last pie on October 31, 2026,” she said. “So you know exactly where we will be after we finish trick or treating that day.”
“It’s such a good feeling. I never win anything,” she said. “I was so surprised, I forgot to ask if the free pizza comes with toppings!”
Top: Jonny D’s owner Jonathon Dawson (R) with Keesha Bailey (L) and her family celebrate a million pies. (courtesy)
