Local Business Highlights: J&L Front Porch Pizzeria

by Colby Hernandez, Staff Writer

On your way to Columbus, one may find themselves in the little town of Buena Vista. The small area seems to be just another pass-through town with only one stoplight. Hidden gems, however, can be found in the places you least expect.

Located at 114 N McDuffie St Buena Vista, GA, you find J&L Front Porch Pizzeria, a local gem on the way to Columbus. Owned and operated by Lisa Rodeheaver for 30 years this upcoming January, J&L has been a staple for the Marion County area as long as most folks can remember.

Exterior of J&L Front Porch Pizzeria in Buena Vista, Georgia.

Photo by Colby Hernandez.

Now, you may be thinking, “Colby, this is just another grease-filled fast pizza joint. Why would I trek 30 minutes from campus just for some pizza?” If this is you, you are oh-so wrong. You see, everything here is house made, from the dough to the sauce. Everything is made to order, and salads are guaranteed fresh.

Pizza and wings prepared at J&L Front Porch Pizzeria.

Photo by Colby Hernandez.

So, what else makes their food special? I went in and asked them myself. “We have two signature sauces,” Lisa told me. “The Joe Sauce was thought up in house, and our Armageddon Sauce was made with the help of some local veterans.” Both sauces can be ordered as sides or can be put on wings. But it doesn’t stop with wings. Pizzas can be ordered how you want them, with prices being based on toppings and not some arbitrary fixed menu system. From a cheese pizza to a supreme with pineapples, anchovies, and all sorts of peppers, J&L will make it. Some favorite items include the Sloppy Steak Sandwich, a Philly Cheese Steak with onions, green peppers, banana peppers, and mushrooms, and the always ordered house-made breadsticks, covered in butter and baked to perfection.

If you ever get the chance, stop on by J&L and grab some pizza with some friends. You may even see me working! J&L Front Porch Pizzeria is located at 101 Mc Duffie St, Buena Vista, GA 31803. It is open 11AM-9PM Monday through Saturday.

Pizza and wings prepared at J&L Front Porch Pizzeria.

Photo by Colby Hernandez.