The salty, creamy taste of provel cheese is controversial across St. Louis, but to Blake Schwartz, senior, it’s home.
“It’s like a Frankenstein cheese,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz grew up with St. Louis-style pizza. His great uncle has owned an Imo’s since the ‘80s and is known for showing up to big family gatherings toting 30-40 pies.
On his 15th birthday, Schwartz received a call from his great-uncle asking if Schwartz would like a job as a pizza maker. After accepting the offer, Schwartz has worked at the Imo’s for three years.
“It’s a pretty good job, it’s fairly easy and laid back there,” Schwartz said.
At Imo’s, Schwartz said their deluxe and sausage-pepperoni pizza are their most popular pies.
Schwartz said that he understands why one wouldn’t prefer provel cheese but enjoys St. Louis-style pizza himself along with other regional styles.
“I’m the kind of person I can appreciate everything for what it is,” Schwartz said. “If I had to pick one I’d probably stick with St. Louis style though.”
Brendan Taylor, social studies teacher, also sticks with St. Louis-style pizza with his restaurant Stef’s Pizza. Taylor and his wife co-own Stef’s with another family and bought the restaurant in 2019.
“It was a big learning curve, and very nerve-racking,” Taylor said.
Taylor said his wife handles most of the affairs, but he helps with smaller pieces of business.
Some of Taylor’s favorites are the bacon cheeseburger and taco pizzas, and one of their signature dishes includes the Stef Special. Taylor attributes the special’s popularity to their generous toppings.
“We’re very gracious with our helpings; we don’t skimp on those things,” Taylor said.
Taylor said that many students eat and work at Stef’s as well.
Jillian Orendain, senior, has a job at Boardwalk Pizza, which she’s held for two years.
“I like working there, a lot of my friends work there so it’s pretty flexible and enjoyable,” Orendain said.
The Great White is one of their specialties, with an olive oil base and a mix of cheeses instead of red sauce and mozzarella.
Orendain said that she likes the Great White is one of her favorites and that her affinity for pizza has increased since she started working.
