BACK IN BUSINESS: Humble Pie

The only sign on its exterior simply says “Open.” And “humble” may not begin to describe the barebones storefront for what is becoming a cult favorite pizza takeout and delivery in the Holy Rosary neighborhood. But Humble Pie (1039 S. East St., 317-686-0900) is indeed back in business after a brief hiatus earlier this year. Based in Greencastle, where DePauw students in the know have been getting stromboli, pepperjack breadsticks, and custom pies for their late-night study fix since November of  2009, Humble Pie quietly opened its Indianapolis outpost in December of 2011. It is the brainchild of David and Damien Gibson, father-and-son Greencastle natives with decades of experience in the pizza industry (David has owned a Domino’s Pizza in Greencastle). The Indianapolis location, which the Gibsons hope to expand (or offer in-store dining at a nearby location), had to close in late December when a fire destroyed the family home. But the Gibsons more than met their promise to open in the spring, coming back online on January 25.

We figured it was time to check it out. Currently, Humble Pie’s delivery area is small, so we ordered ours for pickup and headed south of downtown. We didn’t get out a ruler, but the 14-inch Greek pie, to which we added slightly spicy “Chicago” sausage, certainly seemed bigger, loaded as it was with artichokes hearts, real-deal Kalamata olives, baby spinach, Roma tomatoes, and tons of feta. A fairly sturdy, flavorful crust might have been a bit crispier, but this was worlds beyond the average neighborhood pizza takeout. But what impressed the most? The generous house dinner salad with spring mix heavy on mizuna and chard, topped with portabella mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, red onions, green peppers, and Monterrey jack cheese. At $6, it was something the Gibsons could brag about, but these humble owners are more about providing their customers with a quality meal.