What began over a decade ago as a mobile pizza operation in a church parking lot has grown into a popular brick-and-mortar restaurant, serving up artisan Neapolitan-style pies with a side of soul in Mount Dora.

According to their website, Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace was founded by Gary Carney in 2011 and made its early name by touring the country’s art shows, music festivals and private events. With a custom-built oven on wheels, Gary brought handcrafted wood-fired pizzas to communities across the Southeast. But after years on the road, the company’s roots and its next chapter, took hold right back where it all started.

(A pizza to be proud about. This is not conveyor belt pizza, this is pizza made with love and care in a real pizza oven.)

Today, Shadrach’s is in the capable hands of Gary’s children, Jack,  Sarah and Nate, who have established the family’s first permanent location in their hometown. Open since August 2022, the brick-and-mortar shop operates in Mount Dora, serving up hot pies and cool vibes six days a week.

“We have been a family business since the beginning,” Sarah says. “We are three young entrepreneur’s and we know how to work hard. We learned that from our parents.”

The business’s memorable name, Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace, draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Shadrach, who survived a fiery trial unscathed, fitting for a company built around the blazing heat of a wood-fired oven.

“We were testing our first mobile setup in the parking lot of Firth United Methodist Church,” the family says. “Someone tossed out the name and it just stuck.”

(A meatball sub to be proud about. Look at the perfect crisp on the bun and the artwork that goes on with the presentation. Eccelente!)

But while their identity may be rooted in scripture, the Carneys also embrace a more philosophical muse: Slicyphus, their dough-slinging twist on Sisyphus, the tragic Greek figure cursed to roll a boulder uphill for eternity.

“It’s about finding happiness in the grit despite whatever your circumstances,” the family says. “We all have a boulder and we all have a hill, no matter if it is pizza or stocks or handwoven micro-baskets for bearded dragons. The sun is up. The boulder is down. All that is left to do is smile, take on the day and of course, just keep rolling…the dough.”

(Just look at the crust and you can tell it’s good. Crisp, fantastic under carriage and one of the best pizza’s you can get in Lake County hands down.)

“Twelve years, five ovens and countless dropped pizza doughs later, we find ourselves a family of pizza lovers with a thriving, creative and gratifying business,”the family says on their website.

Shadrach’s serves classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh salads, and appetizers using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Their mobile setup remains active for catering events, while their brick-and-mortar spot offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Regulars praise the “insanely good” meatballs, meatball subs, PIZZA which is a must try, and the consistently upbeat, welcoming atmosphere.

As a pizza guy myself, this is some of the best you can get in Lake County. There’s something about a wood fired oven that makes pizza taste different and you will notice that. The oven makes a huge difference. I have had wood fired, coal fired, conveyor belt, brick oven, you name it and wood fired is some of the best you can get. For Neapolitan pizza it is hands down some of the best around.

(It’s not just the pizza but the meatballs. They are absolutely incredible and each bite is packed with flavor. The sauce hits all the right notes.)

Open Tuesday through Sunday at 334 N. Donnelly Street, Shadrach’s continues its mission of building a community of pizza lovers one slice at a time.

Hours:
Tues–Thurs: 12–9PM
Fri: 12–11PM
Sat: 11AM–11PM
Sun: 11AM–9PM
(Monday Closed)

Contact:
Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace Pizza Co.
Mount Dora Marketplace, Building #2
(352) 652-3100

No reservations necessary. Catering available.

Visit their website here: