Since 1985, Gumby’s Pizza has been feeding the hungry, the rowdy, the night owls, and the pizza-obsessed. What started as a single store quickly turned into a movement — built on hot, cheesy pies, over-the-top Pokey Stix, and a reputation for showing up when people needed it most (usually after midnight).
With locations across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri — and more popping up each year — Gumby’s is quietly taking over the late-night pizza scene.
Art Clokey — the visionary animator behind the beloved characters Gumby and Pokey. A pioneer of stop-motion clay animation, Art brought joy to millions through his work, and we’re proud to say he brought that same joy into our stores.
His go-to order? The Gumby’s Favorite Vegetarian Pizza and the Vegetarian Submarine — both loaded with fresh veggies and packed with flavor. These classics meant a lot to him, and they still mean a lot to us. That’s why they remain on our menu today, served in his honor, with the same love and care we’ve always put into every bite.
In 1985, Chance Hippler and Jeff O’Brien, both finance majors at the University of Florida, made a bold decision — they dropped out of college to start a pizza business. Hippler, inspired by stories of business titans and motivated by the sheer number of pizzas being delivered to his fraternity house, saw an opportunity. O’Brien, who had grown up around the restaurant world thanks to his father’s experience with Hardee’s and Fuddruckers, brought industry know-how to the table. Together, they opened the first Gumby’s Pizza in downtown Gainesville.