Pie Hound Pizza Company Offers Fresh Ingredients and Detroit-Style Pizza

If you’re looking for a delicious pizza and a fun night out in Athens, Tennessee, try Pie Hound Pizza Company, which has sold Detroit-style pizza to customers since November 2025. The dough is made in-house every day, along with all of the sauces. Pie Hound’s ingredients are fresh and flavorful, offering customers good meals and great deals.

“We don’t make deep dish, like you find in Chicago,” says Kit Housley, owner of Pie Hound Pizza Company. “Our pizzas have a thick crust, with cheese around the edges that adds a ring of crispiness.”  

Housley has been in the restaurant business since he was 18, but this is his first foray into ownership. So far, Pie Hound Pizza Company has been a hit in Athens and continues to be a go-to destination for visitors in Discovering McMinn County. 

Ask About Their Specials

There are several ways to enjoy Pie Hound Pizza Company, whether you order pizza on your own or bring the whole family. There’s a dedicated lunch menu if you want to grab a quick bite, or take-out deals for dining on the go.

On Wednesdays, diners can get two pizzas with two toppings each for only $20. (A takeout-only deal.) There’s also a special happy hour wing deal: six wings for $7. All wings are made in-house and are first smoked, then finished in the fryer.

“We did our best to keep our menu small to keep our dishes fresh and prices down,” says Housley. “Good pizza doesn’t have to be expensive. Our two-pizza deal can feed six or eight people.”

Pie Hound Pizza Company is also built on the foundation of creating community. There are two Happy Hours, one early in the day and one at night before closing. Housley wants customers to end their evenings here, enjoying one last drink before heading home. 

Plan Your Visit Around Game Day

Pie Hound Pizza Company has 10 TVs and shows different sports throughout the year. It has become a go-to spot in Athens this year to watch the World Cup, and some people have come in to watch various Wimbledon matches. Housley is particularly excited for football season and plans to make sure Pie Hound Pizza Company is the best place to watch Tennessee football (and other teams as well).

If sports aren’t your thing, come out on Monday nights for Trivia instead. Pie Hound Pizza Company recently moved its trivia schedule up to 6 PM to better accommodate families. Parents and kids can participate in trivia without staying out too late. 

Housley Has a Newfound Love for Athens

Housley was born in Athens and lived in Knoxville for nearly 20 years. He returned to his hometown during the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant. He enjoys McMinn County and wants to be part of its future growth.

“I never thought I’d come back, but we wanted to do something here,” he says. “We’re responding to a need in the community. If we decided to open 10 more businesses in Athens, we will.”

Housley says the opening went smoothly, and business has been great in the nine months since. He shares his business with two loud, lazy, stubborn, tremendously sweet and lovable basset hounds, Button and Rosie, who inspired the pizza restaurant's name. 

Discover Other Dining Options in McMinn County 

Pie Hound Pizza Company is a top choice for eating out in McMinn County, but there are plenty of other places to enjoy. Explore a few local restaurants or see which national chains are found in the area. Arrive hungry, you’re sure to find a good meal while you’re here.