Widely known for its wafer-thin crust, house-tossed dough, square pieces and its hands-on owners, Eagles Villa Pizza, 2 N. High Street, is celebrating 50 years of business in New Albany. Since the pizzeria opened in 1971, the community has grown from a small village to a city of 11,000. But the independent pizzeria has kept its eye on the pie with traditional recipes that date back to the beginning. Eagles offers classic pizzas as well as newer versions such as the popular taco pizza. A build-your-own-pizza option is available for picky eaters or the more adventuresome.

Eagles is not just family-owned it’s a family affair with owners Dennis Keesee, his wife Teresa and her sister and brother-in-law, Rachel and Adam Savage. No wonder that the interior pays homage to New Albany’s past and military service. Dennis is also executive director of the New Albany Historical Society.