With a population of just around 600, Matador might not be the first place you’d expect to find a top-tier mobile wood-fired pizza setup—but that’s exactly what makes the story of Leon Radford and Stone Ground Pizza Co. so special.
From Sky-High Ambitions to Grounded Dreams
Leon spent more than two decades soaring as a professional pilot, a career that requires focus, discipline, and a clear mission. But when a medical condition brought that journey to an unexpected halt, Leon found himself grounded—but far from defeated.
“We are a family first, family-owned, operated, and argued-over business,” he said. And it’s clear that this isn’t just a cute tagline—it’s the foundation of everything they do.
His wife, a powerhouse in her own right after over twenty years in wealth management, brings the organization and process needed to turn Leon’s big ideas into reality. “She says we’ll never retire because I keep finding new things for us to do,” he said.
Turning Fire Into a Future
Already running a successful brick-and-mortar coffee shop, the Radfords began to think about how they could extend their reach. Their vision? Something mobile. Something that could bring food and fellowship to the tight-knit communities scattered across the Texas plains.
Enter: Stone Ground Pizza Co.—a mobile wood-fired pizza business that officially launched in November 2024 using one of our handcrafted ovens. With it, the Radfords have been able to bring hot, delicious pizza to Matador and surrounding towns like Roaring Springs, Paducah, Floydada, Turkey, Aspermont, Dickens, Crosbyton, Wolfforth, and even Lubbock.
Service With a Slice of Heart
For Leon, the best part of owning a business isn’t the freedom or the flexibility—it’s the people. “Customer service is my favorite part,” he said. “There’s real joy in building relationships and earning trust by delivering a consistently high-quality product.”
That dedication is evident in every pizza he serves, especially his personal favorite: the classic Margherita pizza. With its simple ingredients and fresh, bold flavors, it’s a perfect symbol of what Stone Ground Pizza Co. is all about—authentic, thoughtful, and downright delicious.
Anchored in Faith, Fueled by Family
Leon’s inspiration flows from a deep well—his faith, his wife, and his kids. It’s clear that everything he builds is done with purpose. His work isn’t just about pizza—it’s about community, legacy, and the belief that you don’t need to live in a big city to dream big or serve others well.
A Partnership We’re Proud Of
Here at The Bread Stone Ovens Company, we’re incredibly proud to play a small role in Leon’s big vision. Our ovens are crafted to help small businesses thrive, and seeing the Radfords use theirs to uplift entire communities makes our mission all the more meaningful.
So next time you’re anywhere near the wide skies of West Texas, keep an eye out for Stone Ground Pizza Co. You’ll find more than great pizza—you’ll find a family whose passion is baked into every bite.
