Fort Wayne’s most genre-bending hangout brings together two beloved kitchens under one roof — Papi’s Pizza and Brixton BBQ — at 224 E Wallace St.
Expect smoked meats, hand-tossed pies, an outdoor courtyard, and live music in the summer.
It’s part backyard cookout, part neighborhood pizza joint, and fully addictive.
Locals already know — this is where you go when the group can’t agree on dinner.
How The Compound won Fort Wayne’s hearts
The story is honestly genius. Papi’s Pizza first launched on The Landing in downtown Fort Wayne with a nostalgic 80s/90s theme, and quickly became known for fresh made dough and an unforgettable cupping pepperoni.
Then Brixton BBQ — with its “Smoke it. Send it.” attitude — joined forces and opened The Compound on Wallace Street, just south of downtown. The result? Two kitchens, one menu, and a whole lot of happy regulars. 🤤
What sealed the deal was the combination itself. Fresh ingredients and fresh made dough from Papi’s Pizza mixed with smoked meats and small plates from Brixton BBQ under one roof — that’s a pitch no Fort Wayne foodie could turn down.
Add the summer courtyard with live music and brick oven pizza, plus a banquet space called The Smyth and their own house-cut cocktail ice from Rocket Ice Co., and this isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a whole experience. Diners on Visit Fort Wayne’s recommended list are already pointing visitors here. 🙌
Food Highlights 🍕🍖
- Cupping Pepperoni Pizza: The cupping pepperoni is chef’s kiss according to glowing reviews — crispy curled edges and a subtle spicy sauce that fans rave about. A must-try on the Papi’s side.
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends: A Brixton BBQ specialty appetizer — smoky, rich, and built to share, and a fan-favorite way to kick off the meal.
- Brixton BBQ Platter: Loaded with spareribs, pork carnitas, and pulled poultry — the move when your table wants to taste everything coming off the smoker.
- Papo’s Burger: Cold-smoked and grilled beef patty with Tillamook cheddar, fried onion, mayo, and house mustard BBQ — a signature collab between the pizza and BBQ sides that you genuinely can’t get anywhere else.
- Chicken Parm Sando: Herb-breaded chicken, spicy tomato cream sauce, cheese blend, truffled arugula, and basil pesto — a craveable sandwich that lunch regulars order again and again.
Atmosphere 🎶
The Compound is lively, laid-back, and bursting with personality. Inside, you’ll find a fun and intimate space with the playful energy of a backyard cookout.
Step outside in summer for the courtyard with string lights, live music, and brick oven pizza in the open air. It’s a perfect mashup of laid-back hangout and smoky, sociable, food-fueled fun.
Bottom Line 🍻
Roll into The Compound for smoked meats and hand-crafted pizza on one menu, a string-lit summer courtyard, live music, two beloved brands under one roof, plus genuinely original collabs like Papo’s Burger you can’t find anywhere else in Fort Wayne. 🔥
Address: 224 E Wallace St, Fort Wayne, IN 46803
📞 (260) 745-4734
🕔 Open Wed–Thu, 11 AM–9 PM; Fri, 11 AM–10 PM; Sat, 12 PM–10 PM; Sun, 11 AM–3 PM (closed Mon–Tue)