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Our Story

For more than half a century, J. Burns’ Pizza has served Polk County the same thin, crispy, square-cut pizza that made us a local favorite — made with premium deli meats, fresh local produce, and dough prepared fresh for us every day.

How It Started

A Polk County Staple for Over 50 Years

J. Burns’ Pizza opened its doors in 1965, and the recipe hasn’t changed since. Our tavern-style pizza is rolled thin, baked until crispy, and cut into squares — the way we’ve always done it.

What began as a single neighborhood shop has grown into three family-friendly locations across Lakeland and Winter Haven. Every shop serves the same menu, the same quality, and the same square-cut pizza that generations of Polk County families have grown up on.

Gluten-Free Crusts

Neighborhood Shops

Years Since 1965

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Our History

Six Decades, Same Squares

1965

The First Shop Opens

J. Burns’ opens its doors in Polk County, tavern-style dough rolled thin, baked until crispy, and cut into squares. The recipe hasn’t changed since.

1965

1970s

A Local Tradition Takes Hold

Birthday parties, team dinners, and Friday nights. Generations of Polk County families grow up around a J. Burns’ table.

1970s

1994

The Last Shop Closes

After nearly 30 years, the last J. Burns’ Pizza closes its doors and the square-cut pie goes quiet in Polk County.

1994

2011

The Doors Open Again

In January, J. Burns’ opens again for the first time in more than 15 years — the same thin, crispy, square-cut pizza Polk County had been missing.

2011

2012

Edgewood Drive Opens

Demand made it clear one shop wasn’t enough. The Edgewood Drive location opens in Lakeland, and J. Burns’ is a Polk County habit again.

2012

2022

Founding Sponsor at the Florida Children’s Museum

When the reimagined Explorations V opens its new Lakeland home, J. Burns’ signs on as founding sponsor of the pizza food-truck exhibit in the City Play gallery, where Polk County kids sling pretend pizzas to this day.

2022

What Makes Us Different

The Same Standard, Every Square

Thin, Crispy, Square-Cut

Our signature tavern-style pizza: rolled thin, baked crispy, and cut into squares. It’s the pizza Polk County has loved since 1965.

Quality Ingredients

We build our subs and top our pizzas with premium deli meats and cheeses. No shortcuts on the good stuff.

Real Gluten-Free

Two gluten-free crusts, rice flour and cauliflower, made for guests with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, available every day at all three shops.

Family & Community

From spirit nights to team dinners, we’ve been part of Polk County’s gatherings for generations. Everyone’s welcome at the table.

Come See Us

Three Shops, One Standard

Two shops in Lakeland, one in Winter Haven — all baking the same square-cut pizza, fresh subs, and gluten-free crusts.

Lakeland: Edgewood Drive

2306 East Edgewood Drive
Lakeland, FL 33803

Lakeland: South Florida Ave

Maryoma Plaza
5615 South Florida Ave #101
Lakeland, FL 33813

Winter Haven: Cypress Gardens

5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd
Winter Haven, FL 33884

Hours at all locations: Monday Closed • Tuesday to Thursday 11am to 9pm • Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm • Sunday 11am to 8:30pm

Checking hours…

Come Taste the Tradition

Order online for pickup at whichever shop is closest — thin, crispy, and cut in squares since 1965.