He Spent a Year in Jail as a Kid. Now He’s Wowing the Twin Cities With New Haven-Style Apizza

Chef Josh “Joey Meatballs” Hedquist, a winner of Guy’s Grocery Games who has also competed on other Food Network shows, plans to open his second New Haven-style apizza location in Minnesota’s Twin Cities area, once again proving that the style has appeal beyond the Connecticut border.

Hedquist’s success also demonstrates that the restaurant industry can bring redemption to people who have gotten in trouble with the law in the past.

The new OG Zaza is reportedly set to open soon in Shakopee, Minnesota, although a definite date hasn’t been set. Hedquist already operates an OG Zaza restaurant in Rosedale Center’s Potluck food hall in Roseville, Minnesota. There, he also owns Joey Meatballs, a pasta concept, and Salad Slayer. The new Shakopee location will share space in the Winners Circle development with eateries like Bravis Craft Mexican Kitchen, Badger Hill Brewing and Mr. Pig’s Smokery, reports the Minnesota website, Bring Me the News.

Related: ‘Secrets of a 50 Top Pizza Restaurant’: New panel added to PMQ’s Upcoming Pizza Power Forum

A Twin Cities native, Hedquist discovered New Haven-style pizza while working in restaurants on the East Coast. He launched OG Zaza in November 2022. “We love New Haven-style pizza, and nobody is doing it in the Twin Cities,” he told Bring Me the News at that time. “It’s baked fast in a really hot oven to give it a crispy crust with a good chew.”

Hedquist knows firsthand the redemptive power of cooking for restaurants. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade, according to the Star Tribune. He was still in his teens when he was arrested and pleaded guilty to three felonies. He served 13 months in jailtime and credits restaurant work with his transformation into a successful entrepreneur. In fact, he founded Joey Meatballs in part to provide work opportunities to others who have had experiences with the justice system. “If you’re a felon, there are so many opportunities you don’t get,” he told the Star Tribune in 2021. “I want this place to be a flagship for second chances. This is my incubator to see if this can work.”

Hedquist also operates an OG Zaza food truck for events and parties. Prior to opening his own restaurants, he served as chef at Twin City restaurants like Giulia, Spasso and the Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen. He was the executive chef at Macalester College while gearing up to launch the Joey Meatballs concept.

Hedquist makes all of his pizzas with an unbleached flour and doesn’t use dough conditioners. He adds some pecorino Romano, which he terms “Parmesan’s sexier cousin,” for extra flavor. The sauce is a simple combo of crushed tomatoes and olive oil.

For the Shakopee location, Hedquist, who has four kids of his own, plans to introduce a “Happy Pizza Meal” for the young’uns, consisting of an 8” pizza, organic chocolate milk and a toy for less than $9. There will also be classic arcade games for children and adults alike.