My name is Jeff Dunlap, and I am the proud owner and operator of Pizza D’s in Mendon, NY. Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn a little more about me and my business. Now that I’ve introduced myself, I’d like to share my story here for all my valued customers.

Back in 1999 at the age of 17, my first step into the food service industry began when I left Pittsford Sutherland High School to take on a full-time position as a dishwasher at the Cole Tower Restaurant in Pittsford. I developed a strong work ethic in that role, and within a year I was promoted to serve as the head cook for their busy breakfast service. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the satisfaction of working together as a team in the kitchen to put out high-quality food for our guests. I held this role for about a year until I decided it was time for something new.

In the Fall of 2001, I put in an application at Pontillo’s in Pittsford at their former location next to Thirstys. I was excited to be offered a position on their team, and this was a step that would change the course of my future. Working at Pontillo’s I developed a true passion for the art and science of pizza making. During this time, I also met Danny Walters who would soon become my business partner and co-owner of Pizza D’s.

After three years at Pontillo’s I was offered the head management position which I respectfully declined at the time, feeling that I had more to learn. Over the next several years I continued to develop my skills cooking pizza and all the other menu items, focusing on the importance of quality and consistency.

Eventually the store relocated to its current location. In 2007 the owners of Pontillo’s offered me the head management position a second time, and this time around I accepted their offer. For the next 4 years as head manager, I really dialed in on the business side of running a profitable pizzeria. While I was learning the ins and outs of running the business, I also developed my management skills beginning to delegate all the tasks I’d previously completed myself. I had high expectations for the team I was now in charge of, while also maintaining a high level of respect for them, knowing firsthand all the hard work that goes into those roles to keep the store running.

By 2011 I had learned everything I could about running a pizzeria, and I decided I wanted to take on the challenge of owning and operating my own business with all the skills and years of experience I had under my belt. Danny Walters, my coworker and now friend from Pontillo’s, was ready to take on this challenge with me. We began taking the steps to start a business together. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

In the summer of 2011, Danny and I signed the lease for Pizza D’s at the building that used to be Mendon Pontillo’s. Several months later we officially opened our doors in January of 2012. We built our customer base over the first couple of years and grew a very strong business together. After five years we decided it would be best to open a second location in Victor. We knew it would be a risk but were ready to take the chance.

Our second location on School St. in Victor held its grand opening in early March of 2018. In the Fall of 2020 Danny had an opportunity to purchase Branca Restaurant in Bushnell’s Basin. At that time we made the decision that it was best to split ownership of our two stores. I became the sole owner of Pizza D’s original location in Mendon, with Danny becoming the sole owner of Pizza D’s in Victor. By June of 2022, Danny made the decision to close the shop in Victor to have more time to invest in his ownership of Branca and career as a firefighter. The Victor location then closed its doors. Danny and I remain friends to this day.

Back in 2018 I met my future wife, Alison at Pizza D’s. We shared an apartment together in the Hamlet of Mendon for four years until we purchased a home together in Lima in 2025. We were married in October of 2024 at Danny’s new business Branca. We share a wonderful life together and she’s always been supportive of me and my business.

I take great pride in the evolution of Pizza D’s over the years and the success Pizza D’s original Mendon location has maintained to this day. Thank you to the Mendon community for supporting us throughout the years. Last but not least, thank you to all of my hardworking employees, who I’m also happy to call my friends.