A Slice of history: Fred’s Pizza Express in Portsmouth thrives

In the heart of Portsmouth, Fred’s Pizza Express has become a beloved spot for its delicious food, friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Since opening in 1971, this historically loved restaurant has adapted and flourished in a city where businesses seem to come and go, capturing the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. In addition to serving customers pizza, Fred’s offers an experience that recognizes the passion, creativity and rich history this business is made of. Every restaurant has a unique story to tell, and Fred’s Pizza Express Portsmouth has many chapters already published and in the making.  

This story began with Fred Adkins, who worked for the Detroit Steel Corporation mill in New Boston but had a burning passion and aspiration to become a business owner himself. Adkins owned and operated ice cream trucks around Ohio and worked the county fair circuit with his ice cream business while maintaining his main career. Although he had a well-paid job at the time, there still was a piece missing that he hoped to resolve. 

In 1971, Adkins and his wife Dottie took the leap of faith they knew they were destined for. After hearing that Giovanni’s Pizza in Wheelersburg was up for sale, they embraced the opportunity to own their own business. Little did they know that this decision would build career paths for their family and establish a successful legacy.  

In 1981, Adkins began transitioning Giovanni’s Pizza to Fred’s Pizza, establishing a reputation built on hard work and family dedication. Over the years, Fred’s Pizza became a cherished tradition in Wheelersburg. In 1983, he expanded by opening a second location in Portsmouth, solely focusing on delivery and carryout. In 1986, he then passed that location to his daughter Julie and her husband, Greg Haller.

The family continued to grow the business, constructing a new restaurant at their current site in Portsmouth in 1996. Initially a delivery and carryout service, they expanded to include a dining room in 2011. Fred’s legacy continued with the opening of a third location in Waverly, Ohio, in 1999, operated by his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Bev Adkins. 

In March 2024, the Hallers sold the Portsmouth location to their daughter Courtney and her husband, Kyle McGraw, marking the third generation of the family to take on the tradition. Today, all three locations remain independently owned and operated, each embracing and honoring the initial ambition of Fred Adkins. 

Courtney and Kyle McGraw, the current owners of Fred’s Pizza Express Portsmouth, embrace the traditional value of the restaurant, specifically with its recipes and quality. When asked what has helped the business thrive over the years, Courtney emphasized the importance of maintaining historical traditions.

“We perfected and protected homemade recipes,” she said, “our Fred’s Red dressing, pizza sauce, taste and quality, consistency and our unique value in customer service.” 

Though the McGraws have recently transitioned into ownership, Courtney credits her father, Greg Haller, with making it a smooth process.

“My dad has made it a great transition,” she said. “He is always there if we have any questions. We couldn’t have done it without him!”

Kyle, who previously worked at the atomic power plant in Piketon for 15 years, agreed that his father-in-law had offered continuous support and help, especially for his career shift.

“There’s been a lot to learn, not only in the kitchen but outside of it,” Kyle said. “Bookwork, legal terms and things I’ve never been used to. Thankfully, I have the best teacher in the world—Greg. He’s brilliant and has done this for so many years.” 

Kyle emphasized that being co-owners has not altered his relationship with Courtney outside of work.

“Working together as a married couple has been better than expected,” he said. “You always hear people scratching their heads about married couples working together, but it’s been great, and we enjoy it.”  

As for the years to come, Kyle and Courtney hope to incorporate a fourth generation into the ongoing family tradition.

“I see Fred’s being a successful business and growing,” Courtney said. “Maybe having more stores in the future, especially since I have four kids! My kids will definitely be carrying on the family tradition.”

Kyle noted that his kids already have found a love for the restaurant, and he can see many possible future benefits in store for them.

“Courtney grew up in it, and she was a cosmetologist, and I went to college and worked in the industry, so I was on both sides,” he said. “… whenever my kids get to that age, I’m hoping that they’ll take dad’s word for it and say, ‘Hey, listen, this is something that you want to get into.’ I’m not saying don’t waste your time. I want you to chase your dreams, but I would love more than anything, before I sell it to anybody outside, I would want it to be my family.”

The family pours their heart and soul into the business they cherish, and that passion shines through not only in their service but also in the delicious food.

“This is what I’ve been taught by my wife,” Kyle said. “She’s always had this slogan, nobody cares like family, and until I got here, I finally realized and understood the pride that comes with owning your own business, making consistency number one and making customer service what it should be. When you put your heart and soul into it and you give it everything you got, I don’t think you can fail.”  

For delicious Italian food with a homemade touch and top-tier service, Fred’s Pizza Express is the go-to destination. To stay updated, follow their Facebook page at @FredsPizzaExpressPortsmouth.  

“Our consistency, our persistence and our love for what we do sets this place apart,” Kyle said. “It’s not just another block building sitting alongside the road; it’s something we take pride in because we want to see you back.”