Four visitors bureaus have teamed up to share West Virginia’s state food with people both in and out of the state by launching a digital passport to showcase the pepperoni roll’s delicious origins.
Clarksburg Visitors Center and the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau released the West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Trail on a digital passport that allows visitors to check in at each location and earn points to collect prizes.
“The pepperoni roll is our beloved state food, but it was created and commercialized in Clarksburg and Marion County,” Aimee Comer, executive director of the Clarksburg Visitor Center, said. “All the original bakeries are on this trail, so people can get a real sense of our Italian Appalachian history.”
The trail includes places like Country Club Bakery, Tomaro’s and Colasessano’s. The pair soon decided to extend the trail and partnered with Visit Upshur County and Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau. Participants can make their way to places like the adored Bonnie Belle’s, and they can find unique takes on the delicacy like the ground pepperoni and ramps used in The Donut Spot in Upshur County.
“We wanted to give people a map of where to go and what to try,” Leah Smith, executive director of the Marion CVB, said. “Everyone has their own take on it, and they’re all amazing in their own right.”
To experience all the variations, travelers and locals can register to participate in the WV Pepperoni Roll Trail online and instantly receive the digital passport via email or text. Once downloaded, visitors can check in to bakeries around the state to earn points and unlock exclusive Pepperoni Roll Trail prizes – including an official sticker, food baggie and lunch tote.
Accessing the Pepperoni Roll Trail Passport is easy
- Navigate to https://marioncvb.com/wv-pepperoni-roll-trail/.
- Register to get your West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Trail Passport by filling out your contact information.
- After signing up, the digital passport for the Pepperoni Roll Trail will be delivered to your phone via text or to the email provided.
- Discover the Italian Appalachian bakeries of West Virginia! Open the passport on your phone, scroll to find the location you’re visiting and check in to mark it off your list.
From original creators to new bakers, the trail highlights 14 spicy landmarks across West Virginia.
AB Cody’s is well known for their homemade pepperoni rolls, winning Best of Clarksburg multiple times.
The Baker’s Nook is a newer bakery with the skills of yesteryear. Their pepperoni rolls reflect a perfect blend of tradition and modern craftsmanship.
Bonnie Belle’s might have the biggest pepperoni rolls filled with slices of pepperoni. These oversized rolls are a local favorite.
Colasessano’s was one of the first bakeries to put their own spin on the pepperoni roll and turn it into a pepperoni bun, served warm and often paired with sauce and cheese.
Country Club Bakery is considered the birthplace of the commercial pepperoni roll, staying true to the original recipe that dates back nearly a century. Their classic rolls have stood the test of time and continue to be a staple in West Virginia.
D’Annunzio’s specializes in authentic Italian breads and takes a traditional approach to pepperoni rolls, using sticks of pepperoni for a classic, old-world flavor.
Della’s serves up fresh, homemade pepperoni rolls every morning with their simple yet satisfying take on the state’s favorite.
Home Industry Bakery serves plain, cheese and hot cheese pepperoni rolls, catering to different tastes while maintaining the same fresh-baked quality.
Mama Di Roma is an authentic Italian restaurant that includes their take on the Italian Appalachian meal, blending rich Italian flavors with the beloved regional tradition.
Munchie’s stays true to the Italian Appalachian spirit and makes their pepperoni rolls fresh daily with just the right amount of spice and texture.
Papa Joe’s is back, making mini and regular size pepperoni rolls in the original fashion with stick pepperoni.
Roger’s and Mazza’s bakes a few variations of pepperoni rolls, giving customers the choice between classic mozzarella or the bold kick of hot pepper cheese.
The Donut Spot is a donut shop with a flair for Italian Appalachian flavor. When in season, their ramperoni roll, a pepperoni roll made with ramps, is a must-try.
Tomaro’s is one of the oldest Italian bread bakeries, carrying a rich history of traditional baking. They proudly stake their claim in the debate over who first baked or commercialized the pepperoni roll
The Great Pepperoni Roll Drop is the only non-bakery on the list. Get double points by attending Mannington’s New Year’s Eve Celebration and watch a massive pepperoni roll drop from the sky at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31.
For more information on the WV Pepperoni Roll Trail or to register for a digital passport, visit https://marioncvb.com/wv-pepperoni-roll-trail/.
