Pizza, “Italiano” fried chicken and jojos – a sort of holy trinity of dishes – have a place at the table and, often, all at the same time, in northeast Ohio. In Columbus, it’s a less common occurrence. Daniel Shackelford and Larry Halpin, lifelong friends, are trying to trying to raise the profile of the trio with the opening of their second Gionino’s Pizzeria, slated for early July at 103 Westerville Plaza just off of I-270.

The local franchisees, who opened their first central Ohio pizzeria 2 ½ years ago at 12983 Stonecreek Drive in Pickerington, are optimistic about their offerings. “Down here it’s a little unique,” Shackelford said, “but up north, there are a lot places that sell fried chicken and pizza.”