Di Pizza opened Dec. 3, at Frank’s Landing 3853 SW 21st St., Suite 109, where Straw Hat Pizza used to be. Ethan Stern spent the last two months renovating the space before opening his pizzeria.

“I love food,” Stern said. “I like making people happy and giving them good food. Good restaurants are my passion, it’s about being a part of something meaningful to people.”

Stern comes from a background of food services, having grown up in his family’s Italian restaurant and venturing to other careers, including teaching, before returning to food in Redmond. He and his girlfriend, who he met abroad, moved to Central Oregon about five months ago, coming from Portland which he said they found to be too big. They decided on Central Oregon after a single visit here. Stern said that he originally wanted to open in Bend but found the lease prices were too high, so he searched farther out and came to Redmond. Stern said the small-town feel charmed him and when he was shown the location he jumped on it.

“When we visited, we fell in love right then and there and decided that we were moving,” Stern said.

Stern has been planning Di Pizza for almost a year, and said that a good restaurant experience is what he is passionate about. He returned to food after teaching because of the familiarity he has with the industry.

“As long as I produce a good, quality product and people enjoy it, I know I’ll be successful,” Stern. “And of course always providing good customer service.”

Renovations included changing the floor to polished concrete from carpet and opening up the general area where separating walls used to be. Stern even made the high top tables that line the billiards area. There are five pool tables, with a small arcade area as well. Stern said he wanted to change the atmosphere from a corporate-style, chain restaurant to a local family pizzeria. The name “Di” comes from his girlfriend Diana’s nickname, Di, which he pronounces “Dee.” It is also Italian, roughly translating to ‘of,’ rounding out the name to “of pizza.”

“What separates Di Pizza is that we choose to use the highest quality ingredients and make everything in house to make the best quality product we can,” Stern said. “I believe that is what a restaurant should do.”

Stern said that his pizza is a Neopolitan New York style pizza, with thin crust and a focus given to quality ingredients. He makes every ingredient he is able to, from the dough to the sauce to caramelized onions. Stern takes pride in the fact that if it can be done in house, he can say that it is.

“There is not one thing in this restaurant that is not made here,” Stern said. “We make everything from the dough, to the buffalo sauce. What I can do myself, I do.”

He is also aware that the other part of a great restaurant is the customer service, of which he puts precedence.

Di Pizza also offers wings, salad and dessert cannoli. The pizzas come in two sizes, 14 inch and 18 inch.

Stern hopes to hold events and music later on as his customer base increases. He wants to hold pool tournaments and various types of music. He said he is also willing to host any kind event as his restaurant as soon as he receives the proper licensing.

“Anything I can do to give to the Redmond community I will,” Stern said. “I strive to be a part of this community.”

Stern hops to provide delivery within the first six months of opening.

Di Pizza is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It offers beer, wine and soda.

— Reporter, 541-548-2185, cbrown@redmondspokesman.com