The pepperoni roll is a beloved snack that originated in West Virginia, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of locals and visitors alike. Created in the 1920s with influence from Italian immigrants who worked in coal mines, pepperoni rolls were a convenient, shelf-stable meal that could be eaten on the go. Typically, these rolls consist of soft bread filled with slices or sticks of pepperoni, which bake to release flavorful oils into the bread, creating a warm, savory treat. Today, pepperoni rolls are not just a regional delicacy but a symbol of West Virginia’s rich history, blending cultural heritage with a uniquely Appalachian twist. Try these ones for a true taste of West Virginia:
Barney’s Bakery
Weirton
Beginning our journey at the northern tip of the state, Barney’s Bakery in Weirton offers a selection of signature pepperoni rolls made from a soft, white yeast dough. Choose from three tempting options: double pepperoni, pepperoni and cheese, or pepperoni with hot pepper cheese. And for dessert, enjoy a classic apricot, poppy seed, or Hungarian nut roll.
460 Park Drive | 304.748.4370
Chico Bakery
Morgantown
As West Virginia’s largest producer of pepperoni rolls, Chico Bakery creates up to 10,000 rolls each day using a beloved family recipe. Their Julia’s Pepperoni Rolls come in three types: pepperoni with provolone, pepperoni with hot pepper cheese, and double-stuffed pepperoni. You can find them at convenience and grocery stores throughout the area and at WVU athletic events.
407 Beechurst Avenue | 304.292.9433 ext. 1183
A Step in Time
Ranson
Offering an authentic taste of pepperoni rolls far from the state’s pepperoni roll heartland, A Step in Time in Ranson bakes “Mama Jo’s Pepperoni Rolls” using a family bread recipe. These soft rolls are filled with slices of pepperoni and cheese, then topped with even more cheese.
432 2nd Street | 304.535.8046
Colasessano’s World Famous Pizza & Pepperoni Buns
Fairmont
Colasessano’s is famous in Fairmont for their generously sized pepperoni rolls filled with five to six pepperoni sticks, topped with sauce, cheese, and peppers. The walls are lined with photos of notable locals and fans who have stopped by over the years.
141 Middletown Circle | 304.363.0571 | 502 Pennsylvania Avenue | 304.363.9713
Country Club Bakery
Fairmont
Recognized as the birthplace of the commercial pepperoni roll, Country Club Bakery maintains tradition with recipes dating back to the 1920s. Each roll is packed with hand-cut pepperoni sticks, and many customers—including current owner Chris Pallotta—add local Oliverio Italian Style Peppers for an extra kick.
1211 Country Club Road | 304.363.5690
Screech Owl Brewing
Bruceton Mills
Located in Preston County, Screech Owl Brewing is the oldest brewery in the county. In addition to hand-crafting beers, the owners operate the “Spent Grain Cafe,” which produces spent grain bread, pizza crust, and, of course, pepperoni rolls.
2323 Ralph Livengood Rd. | 304.379.4777
Abruzzino’s Italian Bakery
Gypsy
This bakery was among the first to switch to a softer, sweeter bread in their pepperoni rolls, departing from the harder Italian bread originally favored in the area. Though met with initial resistance, this softer roll quickly gained popularity outside north-central West Virginia.
6517 Shinnston Pike | 304.592.0461
D’Annunzio’s Italian Bakery
Clarksburg
In Clarksburg, preferences for pepperoni rolls vary widely, with some favoring a harder bread and others a softer one. D’Annunzio’s appeals to traditionalists with a roll made from firm Italian bread and filled with pepperoni sticks. Originally called The Health Bread Company, the name was changed after the federal government objected, claiming the title suggested health benefits.
1909 Williams Avenue | 304.622.3492
Home Industry Bakery
Clarksburg
Home Industry Bakery added cheese to their pepperoni rolls, inspired by the way the owners enjoyed them at home. Now, they offer rolls with provolone, hot pepper cheese, and rolls that incorporate Oliverio peppers right in the dough.
128 South 3rd Street | 304.623.3384
Rogers & Mazza’s
Clarksburg
Rogers & Mazza’s offers two styles of pepperoni rolls: one with a sweeter dough and sliced pepperoni and cheese, and the Marty’s version, featuring a harder Italian bread with stick pepperoni. Originally created by Marty’s Bakery, a longtime local fixture, the recipe was passed on after a fire closed Marty’s in 1994.
1877 Philippi Pike | 304.622.6682
Tomaro’s Bakery
Clarksburg
West Virginia’s oldest Italian bakery, Tomaro’s in Clarksburg, has been baking pepperoni rolls for over a century. Their classic recipe with Italian dough and pepperoni sticks remains unchanged. Tomaro’s also recently began offering mini pepperoni rolls—bite-sized versions ideal for parties or game day.
411 North 4th Street | 304.622.0691
The Donut Shop
Buckhannon
The Donut Shop in Buckhannon sets itself apart by using ground pepperoni instead of sticks or slices. This ground pepperoni evenly distributes flavor throughout the roll, creating a pocket of savory goodness. Pepperoni rolls in this region sometimes come with ramps when they’re in season. At The Donut Shop in Buckhannon, you can try rolls featuring ramps and a variety of cheeses. Bobbie’s in Beverly and Fish Hawk Acres in Buckhannon also incorporate caramelized ramps into their rolls for a unique seasonal flavor.
51 North Locust Street | 304.472.9328
JR’s Donut Castle
Parkersburg
Though primarily a donut shop, JR’s Donut Castle in Parkersburg offers tasty pepperoni rolls with options like plain pepperoni, pepperoni with American cheese, and pepperoni with pizza or jalapeño sauce. These rolls feature pepperoni slices rather than sticks.
3318 Emerson Avenue | 304.428.9097
