Old Lumber Company Grill and Bar has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Vermillion Pizza Battle.
Their Maverick pizza earned the highest score from voters, impressing participants with its combination of pepperoni, bacon, cream cheese and jalapeños. During the month-long competition in February, Old Lumber Company sold 413 Maverick pizzas.
“We couldn’t have done it without our staff,” said Owner Chad Grunewaldt. “They put a lot of work into making sure every pizza that came out of the kitchen was something we were proud to serve. It’s really a team effort.”
Old Lumber Company opened in October 2012 and has continued to expand over the years, including the addition of a rooftop patio overlooking downtown Vermillion. While pizza has long been part of the restaurant’s menu, the business made a major investment in March 2025 by purchasing new equipment to enhance its pizza offerings.
Today, Old Lumber Company makes its pizzas completely from scratch, including the dough and sauce used to create its signature pies.
“We’re proud to have won the 2026 Pizza Battle,” Grunewaldt said. “It’s been a fun way to connect with the community and showcase what we’ve been working on with our pizza. We’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”
The Vermillion Pizza Battle highlighted local restaurants throughout February, encouraging residents and visitors to try specialty pizzas and vote for their favorite in the LiveVermillion app. The event was made possible with support from presenting sponsor Dakota Realty & Property Management, with weekly voter giveaway prizes sponsored by Pat Roach and Masaba.
Economic Impact: Over $26,000
Estimated Pizzas sold: 1,067
Total votes: 446
Final 2026 rankings:
- Old Lumber Company
- Hummer’s Bar & Grill
- Charcoal Lounge
