On Tap

North State eaters have long held Mary’s Pizza Shack among its go-to places, whether in Anderson or Redding. And even though it’s now called Charlew’s Tap House, don’t worry – you can still get all your favorites from the Mary’s days and more.

Part of the 17-store chain started in 1959 by Mary Fazio, the advent of Charlew’s enhances what’s been successful for decades. The North State’s two locations have been owned by Mary’s grandson Charlew Byerly and wife Kathy since 2007 (Anderson) and 2011 (Redding).

“Mary’s Pizza Shack will always be part of our legacy,” the couple writes on their new website. “Our Noni brought joy and warmth to every family. Generation after next, the values are still the same. Even if there’s a new logo or new name.”

Adapting to changing times is something the Byerlys learned from his grandmother, noting the way of doing business in the North State didn’t always fit with other stores. 

“In the tradition of Mary’s Pizza Shack always being innovative and reinventing themselves … Thus, ‘Charlew’s Tap House’ will move into the future with offerings soon to come like steak and seafood dishes. Additional plans for the future will be in house sales of focaccia bread, sausage, salamis, olives and other Italian favorites.”

One thing that won’t change is the beer wall, which the Byerlys added in 2018. The self-serving rotation of 18 local and regional craft brews and ciders has been a hit with diners. “The tap rooms have become a big deal in both our Redding and Anderson restaurants,” Charlew says. “The plan is to retain the always personal, always going the extra mile staff and attitude.”

Why not? What’s better than pizza and a cold one? Or all the new menu items planned for Charlew’s Tap House?

“And so we start the next chapter – the pizza has flipped. Same family business, just time for our own script,” the Byerlys say. “Come see our new look – you’re in for a thrill!”