Owned and operated by Deb Dunnigan and Karyn MacKenzie, DunnEnzies Pizza first opened in downtown Kelowna in 2010. Now with three locations around the city, they have become a local favourite not only for their delicious food but also for the role they play in our community.
In fact, Karyn was the first recipient of the Kelowna Women in Business Change Maker Award, which is presented to “an individual who demonstrates inclusivity, is community-orientated, and continually helps make Kelowna a better place to live.” With all Deb and Karyn have given back to Kelowna over the years, it is no surprise she took the title.
This past spring many restaurants were forced to shut their doors to indoor dining, sometimes on very little notice. DunnEnzies turned their excess supply of food into soups and frozen meals and instead of just donating it to the local food bank, they decided to do something a little different. Using the hashtag #TogetherIsBest, they asked their followers on social media to nominate those who they believed were most deserving. It became somewhat of a snowball effect of giving, as other local businesses stepped up to help with packaging and delivering the goods. Even as their own business struggled, they went above and beyond to show just how important it is to stick together as a community in unprecedented times.
Deb and Karyn also support many local charities and events, such as the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Mama for Mamas, and CRIS Adaptive Adventures just to name a few.
For me personally, it is their support for the LGBTQ2+ community that really stands out. Having a space where everyone can feel safe, included, and comfortable as their true authentic selves is so important, and the fact that DunnEnzies has highlighted this on their website says a lot about who they are as people and as a business.
Deb and Karyn assist the local Etcetera Youth Program, which provides weekly sessions for 11-18 year-olds who identify as LGBTQ2+ and are looking for support and friendship or just a space for them to be themselves. They also back various events through Kelowna Pride, Rebellious Unicorns (an LGBTQ2+ owned events company), and QUSIC (a Music Series in which all artists must identify under the LGBTQ2+ spectrum).
Not only are they involved in the community and inclusive, they have also been voted as having the best pizza in town for the last decade in the Best of Kelowna Awards. With fun pizza names like ‘Fugh-Gedda-Bout-It’ and ‘Deigo’s Inferno’, you can expect the menu to be a little different at DunnEnzies. They do have all the classic pizza toppings available, but they also offer a variety of choices you normally wouldn’t see. Think asparagus, diced potato, and eggplant just to name a few. They have pies available in both red and white sauces, and they have vegan and gluten-free options available as well. You can also find salads, donairs, and calzones for those looking for something other than pizza. Their Mission location has the largest menu, offering a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and tacos. A full bar is also available here, as well as their downtown location.
I would say they win gold for showing the biggest sense of community too.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, if you do not visit DunnEnzies, you will be missing out on a little slice of heaven.
You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and their website - DunnEnzies.com for more information and to keep track of special events such as live music and Drag Brunch.
