Head Chef
Marco Rivera
With 18 years of culinary experience, Marco is the creative force behind dion's pizza recipes and seasonal specials. A New Mexico native, he brings local soul to every dish.
Our Story
About Dions & dion's Legacy
Since 1999, dion's has been crafting legendary pizzas and handmade meals in Albuquerque — built on a passion for great food, genuine community, and the belief that every meal should feel like home.
25+
Years
Serving
Serving
How It All Began
The dion's Story
In 1999, a small kitchen in Albuquerque gave birth to what would become one of New Mexico's most beloved restaurant brands. Dions — inspired by the dion's spirit of community and craft — opened its doors with a simple promise: serve honest, handmade food using the freshest local ingredients available.
"We didn't set out to build a chain. We set out to build a neighborhood table — and the neighborhood kept coming back."
What started as a single location serving dion's pizza and fresh salads quickly grew into a community institution. Word spread fast: the dough was hand-stretched every morning, the sauces were made in-house, and every pizza that left the oven carried the warmth of a family recipe. The dions name became synonymous with quality, authenticity, and a warm welcome.
Today, dions pizza continues to be crafted with the same devotion to craft that defined our very first day. We've grown, but our soul hasn't changed — because great food is never about shortcuts.
25+
Years in Business
180K+
Pizzas Served
12
Locations
98%
Happy Guests
Our Mission
To craft honest, unforgettable food that brings people together — honoring our community's flavors with every dion's pizza, every fresh salad, and every handmade meal we serve.
At Dions, our mission is not a statement on a wall — it's the reason our team shows up every morning before dawn to prep the dough, chop the vegetables, and fire up the ovens.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
These aren't just words — they're the principles that guide every decision, every recipe, and every interaction at Dions.
Fresh & Local
We source ingredients from local New Mexico farmers and suppliers wherever possible — fresh, seasonal, and full of flavor.
Made with Love
Every dion's pizza is hand-stretched and crafted by people who genuinely care. No shortcuts, no compromises — just heart.
Community First
Dions exists because of Albuquerque, and we give back through local partnerships, sponsorships, and showing up for our neighbors.
Uncompromising Quality
From dough to delivery, we hold every item to the highest standard. Quality is not a feature — it's the foundation.
Our Journey
The dions Timeline
From a single oven to a beloved institution — this is how dion's pizza grew into Dions.
1999
The First Oven
Dions opens its first location on Montaño Rd NW, Albuquerque. A single oven, a handwritten menu, and a line around the block on opening night. dion's pizza is born.
2003
Menu Expansion
After overwhelming demand for fresh salads and subs, dions expands the menu beyond pizza. The signature Green Chile Ranch dressing becomes a local legend.
2007
Growing the Family
Dions opens its third New Mexico location. The dions team grows to over 80 team members, all trained on the original family recipes and standards.
2012
Community Award
Dions is recognized as Albuquerque's Best Restaurant by the Albuquerque Journal — a reflection of the community's love for dion's food and values.
2018
Online Ordering Launch
Dions introduces online ordering and delivery, making dions pizza accessible across the greater Albuquerque area. Thousands of orders placed on day one.
2024
25 Years & Growing
Celebrating 25 years of dion's pizza, fresh food, and community. Dions now operates 12 locations and continues to expand — always staying true to the original vision.
The People Behind
Meet the Dions Team
Every great dion's pizza starts with great people. Our team brings passion, skill, and heart to every shift.
General Manager
Sarah Okafor
Sarah has been with Dions for 11 years, growing from server to General Manager. Her warmth and operational excellence keep every dions location running at its best.
Dough Master
James Thornton
James has been hand-stretching dion's pizza dough since 2005. His mastery of fermentation and timing is the secret behind our crust's unforgettable texture and flavor.
Guest Experience Lead
Linda Castillo
Linda ensures every guest who walks into Dions leaves with a smile. With a background in hospitality and a love for dions food, she's the heart of our front-of-house.
Interested in joining the Dions family?
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