Our Story

Authentic New York Style Pizza in the Okanagan

The idea had been simmering since Jenna and Dan arrived in Vernon in 2023, a food truck, someday, maybe. Then came a February vacation in Mexico, a few too many margaritas, and a decision: stop dreaming, start doing. By March 2026, the business was registered, the plan was written, and the equipment hunt was on.

The concept was never in question. Jenna's favorite food is pizza, specifically, a proper New York slice. Not Neapolitan, not gourmet, not deconstructed. A wide, foldable, perfectly proportioned slice the way New York has been doing it for over a century. Vernon already had some excellent Neapolitan spots, but an authentic NY slice? Nowhere to be found. Consider that fixed spring 2027.

Jenna Hansen

Master Pizzaiola

Jenna Hansen

"Making Pizza is my Jam"

Jenna grew up in Gibsons, BC surrounded by people who believed food was worth doing right. Cooking ran deep in her family, her cousin Alexander McIntosh took it all the way to the world stage, representing Australia at the prestigious Bocuse d'Or in France. With a world-class chef in the family, Jenna has had no shortage of inspiration and hard-won advice on what separates good pizza from unforgettable pizza. Come spring, she's bringing all of it to Vernon — and she cannot wait to feed you.

Dan

Dan Hansen

"Banging Gears and Eating Pies"

Dan is Jenna's husband and the engine running quietly behind the scenes. By day he works in technology and infrastructure, the kind of person who genuinely enjoys building systems that work. On the weekend, you'll find him on a dirt bike somewhere in the BC backcountry. He was Jenna's earliest and most vocal fan, and when she floated the idea of turning her passion into a business, he didn't hesitate. Dan handles the tech, the processes, and everything that keeps Ride or Pie humming so Jenna can focus on what she does best.

Hunter Hansen

Hunter Hansen

"Shooting Pucks and Crushing Slopes"

Hunter is Jenna and Dan's daughter, and the most well-rounded person in the family — hockey enforcer, Silver Star regular, and Ride or Pie's self-appointed future cashier. She's been cheering this business on since the beginning, and she has made it very clear she expects a till and a name tag as soon as the law allows. Ride or Pie's hiring process has never been more competitive.