Barnaby’s in Mishawaka expands reach with frozen pizza shipping

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- A longtime local pizza staple is finding new ways to reach customers beyond city limits as the restaurant industry navigates rising costs and the growing influence of digital ordering.

Barnaby's now ships its signature pizzas across the Midwest. The pizzas are assembled at the restaurant and frozen, then delivered to customers within two days. Currently, shipping is primarily available throughout the Midwest.

“It helps keep our staff busy, so we don’t have to lay people off,” said Michael Lane, owner of Barnaby’s in Mishawaka.

Delivery apps and rising costs have proven to be a challenge to navigate for small chains and local eateries.

Research has shown delivery platforms can strain independent restaurants. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that fees imposed by third-party delivery apps can shrink profit margins and potentially limit consumer choice.

Lane said economic pressures have also changed customer habits.

“We noticed some declines,” he said. “The economy is not what it’s cracked up to be, and we’ve noticed that some customers that used to patronize with us here three or four days a week, it’s cut back to maybe one or two.”

The National Restaurant Association recently released its 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report, highlighting digital ordering and technological development as key strategies for restaurants looking to thrive.

Lane, who has been with Barnaby’s for more than 50 years, is doing just that — without losing touch with the community focus of the restaurant.

“If you can’t come to Barnaby’s, Barnaby’s will come to you,” he said. “So, we just decided that we were going to give it a chance and an opportunity to try to help people eat Barnaby’s pizza that can’t visit Barnaby’s anymore.”

So far, he said, the response has been strong. Frozen delivery orders have gone smoothly, with only one reported mishap happening over the first three weeks of the service’s implementation.

“Some people haven’t had Barnaby’s for 10 or 15 years,” Lane said. “Their reply is that it’s everything they remember when they used to live here in the South Bend-Mishawaka area.” 

As the food delivery industry continues to expand, concerns remain about the longevity and profitability of small-town staples. But with early success from its shipping rollout, Barnaby’s is serving up a way to preserve tradition while embracing innovation.

Those interested in trying out the delivery service themselves can order online through the Barnaby’s website.