A pizza called the Prodigal Pig comes out of a wood-fired oven inside a church built in 1912. Yes, a real church, with stained-glass windows still glowing over the tables.
The oven runs hotter than 800 degrees. That heat gives each hand-stretched pie a blistered, crisp crust with a chewy middle. I find it easy to appreciate a kitchen that makes its dough and sauce from scratch.
One detail I find worth mentioning is how the old building was handled. The white exterior still looks like a classic church, while glass and steel touches freshen up the inside. Tall ceilings and rustic wooden beams stay right where they belong.
A Century-Old Sanctuary Now Smells Like Wood Smoke
Back in 1912, this building opened as the First Presbyterian Church. Today it’s Grace and Hammer, a pizzeria that kept the old church bones and added a blazing oven.
The structure earned historic site status in 1976. That label matters, because it helps explain why the building still looks so much like its original self.
Over the decades, the space wore plenty of hats. It housed congregations, hosted classes, held a dance studio, and welcomed weddings and other events.
So the pizza era is really just the latest chapter. Honestly, it might be the most delicious chapter yet.
I’m particularly drawn to how many community moments this room has already seen. Families gathered here for big life events long before anyone ordered a pie.
That history gives a simple dinner a little extra weight. You’re eating in a place that has served Redmond, Oregon, in many ways for over a century.
A quick tip for history fans is to look closely at the details as you find your table. The building tells its own story if you give it a minute.
Then grab a slice and become part of that story. Not a bad way to honor local history, right?
Look Up, Because The Ceiling Steals The Show
Stained glass and pizza boxes make a surprisingly charming team. Inside Grace and Hammer, the original stained-glass windows still bring color and character to the dining room.
Then there’s the height of the room. Tall ceilings and rustic wooden beams stretch overhead, giving the space an airy, grand feel.
The renovation didn’t freeze the building in time, though. Modern glass and steel touches mix with the old wood and windows.
That blend keeps the room feeling fresh instead of fussy. It’s chic, cozy, and creative all at once.
Seating includes booths and tables of different sizes. That variety makes it easier to fit a couple on a date or a bigger group of friends.
I find it easy to appreciate a design that respects the past without acting like a museum. You can relax here, laugh loudly, and still feel the history around you.
Here’s my advice for first-timers. Before you start eating, take a slow look around the room and up toward those beams.
Once the pizza lands, your attention will shift fast. Trust me, the crust is very good at stealing focus.
An Oven Hotter Than 800 Degrees Does The Heavy Lifting
Eight hundred degrees. That’s the heat inside the wood-fired oven at Grace and Hammer, and it does serious work on every pie.
Each 12-inch pizza starts with dough made in-house. The cooks hand-stretch it, top it, and slide it into those flames.
The result is a crust with crisp, blistered edges and a chewy interior. That contrast is the whole point of a great wood-fired pizza.
The sauce gets attention too. The restaurant makes its red sauce with San Marzano tomatoes, salt, and garlic for a bright, fresh flavor.
The kitchen also leans on local Oregon ingredients whenever it can. Nearby farms help supply seasonal produce, meats, and cheeses.
I noticed that this focus on scratch cooking runs through the entire menu. It shows a kitchen that cares about the base, not only the flashy toppings.
Thin crust fans should feel right at home here. The pies lean toward that light, crisp style rather than thick and doughy.
If you’re sharing, a 12-inch size makes ordering two different pizzas a smart move. More variety, more debate, more fun at the table.
Guy Fieri Rolled Into Town For That Pig
In August 2023, Grace and Hammer landed a spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy Fieri came to Redmond, and the star of his visit was the Prodigal Pig.
That’s a big moment for a small Central Oregon pizzeria. The show tends to spotlight places with real personality, and this one has plenty.
A former church with a roaring oven is basically made for television. Add creative pizza names, and the story writes itself.
The TV feature also put the restaurant on the radar for travelers. Some folks now plan their route through Oregon with a pizza stop in mind.
I find it fun that a dish with smoked pork and pineapple slaw caught his eye. It’s exactly the kind of bold flavor mix the show loves.
If you’re a fan of the series, this is an easy box to check off. You can eat the featured pie in the same historic room.
Just remember that a TV moment can bring extra attention. Showing up early or after the dinner rush is a wise plan.
Fame is great, but a calmer table is even better.
Save Room For The Stuff That Isn’t Pizza
Pizza gets the spotlight, but the supporting cast deserves applause too. The menu at Grace and Hammer includes starters, salads, and desserts worth a look.
Smoked wings bring a different kind of savory to the table. Fried Mozzarella delivers that melty, golden comfort many of us secretly crave.
Then there’s the Daily Bread. It’s the house dough infused with garlic, butter, and rosemary, served with marinara for dipping.
Since the dough is made from scratch, this starter makes a lot of sense. It lets you taste the base of every pizza on its own.
Want something lighter? The Caprese salad and the Simple Green Salad help balance out a cheesy feast.
Dessert keeps things classic with fudge brownies and cheesecake. No wild experiments needed when chocolate and cream cheese already work.
Here’s a practical plan for a group. Share one starter, one salad, and a couple of pizzas.
Finish with a single dessert and a handful of forks. It’s a tidy way to sample the menu without needing a nap in the parking lot.
Pizza Names That Sound Like Sunday School, Taste Like Saturday Night
Who names a pizza the Prodigal Pig? A pizzeria inside a former church, that’s who, and the playful names fit perfectly.
The Prodigal Pig brings Korean kalbi sauce, mozzarella, fontina, and smoked pulled pork. Pineapple slaw and pickled red onion add brightness on top.
Sweet, smoky, and tangy all show up in one bite. It’s the kind of combo that makes people order it again.
The Benevolent Bird takes a fresher route. It’s built with basil-arugula pesto, lemon herb chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, Manchego, and Italian herbs.
Other popular names on the board include the Belltower, Integrity, and Saint Stanley. Saint Stanley nods to the founders’ earlier pizza shop in Austin.
I’m particularly drawn to how the menu has fun without feeling gimmicky. The names make you smile, but the ingredient lists back them up.
My suggestion is simple. Pick one bold specialty and one lighter pie, then trade slices.
That way you get a real sense of the kitchen’s range. And nobody has to suffer through menu regret.
Texas Roots, Oregon Hearts, And A New Chapter
Austin, Texas, plays a surprising role in this Oregon story. Chad and Cinnamon Nemec moved from there after owning Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza.
In 2019, they bought the old church and opened Grace and Hammer that August. They also worked with the city’s historic commission to keep the exterior true to its church roots.
That effort explains why the building still looks the way it does. Not every renovation treats history this kindly.
Fast forward to early 2026, and ownership changed hands again. A group of five longtime friends from Central Oregon took over from the founders.
The good news for regulars is that the existing staff continues running the place. So the crew that knows the oven and the recipes is still on the job.
I noticed that this handoff keeps the business rooted locally. Five friends from the region now care for one of Redmond’s most memorable buildings.
It’s a nice reminder that restaurants are built by people. Owners change, but the spirit can carry forward.
When you visit, you’re supporting that continuing story. Pretty sweet for a pizza night.
Grab A Patio Seat When The Sun Shows Up
Sunshine in Central Oregon practically begs you to eat outside. Thankfully, this church-turned-pizzeria offers outdoor seating along with its indoor dining room.
You’ll find it at 641 SW Cascade Ave, Redmond, OR 97756, on a corner in the walkable downtown area. The tall white building is hard to miss.
The patio makes a relaxed choice on warm days. It’s a casual setting for friends, families, or a laid-back date night.
The mood inside stays lively and welcoming too. So rain or shine, you’ve got a comfy option.
Hours matter here, so plan ahead. The restaurant is closed Monday through Wednesday.
Thursday and Friday run from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the doors open at noon and close at 8 p.m.
That early close is worth remembering. Late-night pizza cravings will need a different plan.
I find weekend lunch especially appealing for first visits. Daylight shows off the stained glass, and you can stroll downtown Redmond afterward.
Pizza plus a walk is a solid Oregon afternoon.
Pair Your Pizza With Canyons, Caves, And Cliffs
Few pizza stops sit this close to so much scenery. Redmond puts you near some of Central Oregon’s most famous outdoor spots.
Smith Rock State Park is nearby in Terrebonne. Its dramatic cliffs make a fantastic morning before a wood-fired lunch.
Closer to town, the Dry Canyon Trail offers an easy outdoor escape. It’s a great way to stretch your legs before or after eating.
The Redmond Caves add a little underground adventure. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore.
Cline Falls State Park rounds out the list. It’s another pleasant stop for anyone who likes riverside views.
Here’s a fun day plan. Hike or explore in the morning, then head to Grace and Hammer when it opens at noon on weekends.
A long trail definitely makes a 12-inch pizza feel earned. Your legs and your appetite will both thank you.
I’m particularly drawn to how easily this pizzeria fits into an Oregon road trip. It’s history, food, and adventure in one tidy afternoon.
Honestly, what more could a hungry explorer ask for?
