Mike and Charity Wixom began their journey in the food industry with a humble hot dog cart and stand, which they ran for eight years. Their shared passion for food and connecting with people led them to open Pepe Caldo Pizzeria in 2009, where they swapped hot dogs for handcrafted, gourmet pizzas. Now, as November 2024 approaches, they’re celebrating 15 years of serving the community.
“Mike has always had an incredible talent for making food taste amazing, and we wanted to share that love with others,” Charity says.
Pepe Caldo’s menu boasts specialty pizzas and calzones, with all dough and sauces crafted in-house. “After all these years, we haven’t found one pizza that stands out as the favorite — people love them all!” Charity notes. A few highlights include Pepe’s Chipotle Southwestern, a smoky chipotle creation with either Mellow or Fire Chipotle Sauce, cheese blend, baked chicken, mushrooms, onions, cactus, fresh cilantro and a touch of lime; the Creamy Garlic Romance, a garlic-lover’s dream with garlic white sauce, savory chicken breast, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, scallions and a sprinkle of parmesan; and the Flying Hawaiian with Pepe’s special Red Sauce #3, mozzarella, oven-roasted ham or baked chicken, pineapple, mushrooms, fresh sliced sweet red onions, a pinch of aged parmesan and a kiss of Aloha Sauce.
Pepe’s Red Sauce #3 is a customer favorite, according to Charity. “We had a taste test of three different sauces, including Pepe’s Red Sauce #3, and had around 20 strangers try them. Ninety percent voted for #3, and we now have customers who ask for a ‘vat of it’ to take home with them because it is their favorite pizza sauce!”
Despite running for 15 years without an alcohol menu, Pepe Caldo has stayed a family favorite. Customers can choose from a variety of sodas to accompany their meal.
Open from 5pm to midnight Tuesday through Thursday, and until 2am Friday and Saturday, Mike and Charity invite customers to savor a meal made with passion and dedication. Live music from local artists is also offered when available.
A family owned and operated restaurant, Charity smiles, “We’re truly a ‘Ma and Pa’ operation.”
Pepe Caldo Pizzeria is also home to their Skate Shop, where skate decks and parts, as well as complete skateboards, are available. “Mike often builds custom skateboards for customers, complete with a unique grip tape design,” Charity adds.
Currently, Mike is recovering from a brain injury, and the couple expresses deep gratitude for the community’s support during this challenging time.
Pepe Caldo Pizzeria
1116 West Ironwood Drive
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814
208.765.6010
PepeCaldoPizza.com
