HiWay Pizza: State College Icon Masters Tech-Driven Delivery and Carryout During COVID
HiWay Pizza's decades-long success in State College owes much to its commitment to excellence—from crave-worthy pies to top-tier service and prioritizing health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This dedication allowed seamless adaptations to serve customers safely amid uncertainty.
"Thankfully, we were developing key business enhancements months before COVID-19 hit, especially in technology," says JP Mills, director of Dante’s Restaurants & Nightlife. "We rebuilt our digital presence in-house: a new website, improved online menus, the HiWay NOW ordering platform, and HiWay Pizza Gang Rewards club. The pandemic accelerated these efforts. We also enhanced carryout and delivery."
Now, ordering HiWay favorites directly from any location is simpler, with rewards earned on every purchase—skip third-party apps like Grubhub or DoorDash to keep more funds supporting this local gem, as those services take a cut.
The HiWay NOW platform works on phones, tablets, or computers for contactless curbside pickup, delivery, or scheduled orders. Save favorites and payment details for speed, and rack up points as a Rewards member per dollar spent.
HiWay went further for perfect arrivals: "We source specialized packaging to deliver scratch-made food fresh," Mills notes. "Hot items use vented, heat-retaining, microwave-safe containers to manage moisture—ideal for leftovers."
For dine-in at any of three locations, HiWay follows CDC, National Restaurant Association, ServSafe®, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and State College health guidelines. Staff complete COVID-19 safety training for prep, service, packaging, and prevention.
Not local? Buy gift cards, merch, or vodka sauce online at hiwaypizza.com/shop—even schedule e-gifts.
"Family-owned spots like ours need your support now," urges Mills. "Unlike chains, we've served Happy Valley since 1963. We live here, give back, and aim for decades more—with your help via our scratch-made pizzas!"
Order, shop, and explore at hiwaypizza.com. Call downtown at (814) 237-5718; West College Ave. at (814) 954-5240; or North Atherton at (814) 237-0375.
