I saw this post on Facebook and wanted to learn more about the history of this legendary DCL business.
Dominik’s Pizza was located near the post office on Deep Creek Drive in McHenry. It was operated by local restauranteur Brenda McDonnell from 1988 until 1995. Turns out from reading the comments in the Facebook post, I had several friends who worked there over the years. It then morphed into Pizzazz Pizzeria in 1996 which was located in the lodge at Wisp Resort. When I was in high school, I spent plenty of time warming up in the lodge with a HUGE slice of pizza at Pizzazz. Brenda has owned and operated many different businesses here at Deep Creek Lake – Ace’s Run, Brenda’s Pizzeria, Trader’s Coffee House and most recently Firewater, a waterfront kitchen + bar. Brenda is a Garrett County ALL STAR and has contributed in so many ways to our community. She was interviewed by my colleague Terah Crawford back in 2022:
These comments are filled with fond memories and praise for Brenda and her pizzeria. Many people express how Brenda has touched their lives, highlighting her generosity, kindness, and strong work ethic. Several commenters recall personal experiences, such as working at Dominick’s, enjoying the food (especially pizza and pepperoni), and how Brenda always made people feel like family. There are mentions of the pizzeria being a gathering place for families, celebrations, and milestones. People also appreciate her contributions to the local community and the long-lasting impact she’s had on Garrett County. Overall, the comments reflect deep affection and respect for Brenda, her business, and the memories people have from the pizzeria.
Facebook post summary
I also found this snippet with a little more background from the Lakefront Magazine:
Dominick’s & Pizzazz Pizzerias
The yearly visitors to Deep Creek Lake might enjoy the whopping 26-inch Abbondanza pizza at Brenda’s Pizzeria overlooking the lake, but they may not know the vibrant history of that delicious pizza. The lineage of Brenda’s amazing Italian food started at Dominick’s Pizzeria in February 1988 on Deep Creek Drive in McHenry, near the post office. Up until 1995, locals could all be found enjoying all types of Italian food including the favorite that Brenda McDonnell sent over from her treasure trove of old recipes.In 1996, Brenda moved to the Wisp Resort and opened Pizzazz Pizzeria. It is within the walls of Pizzazz that I personally first tried ranch dressing on pizza. Brenda claims that there is “nothing special” about her ranch that she serves to this day at her namesake restaurant on 219, however many locals know the truth. While the pizza was to die for at Pizzazz, the true seekers of authentic Italian fare gravitated towards the meatballs.
Do you have memories of Dominick’s? Old photos or stories? We’d love to hear them! Email: DeepCreekLaker@Gmail.com
