By Brynna Wilson
Those who have been around the square in downtown Jacksonville recently have probably noticed the beautiful new “PIZZA RECORDS” sign. Located at 59 E. Central Park Plz., Pizza Records is a unique record store and music venue on the corner of the southeast side of the downtown square.
Owned by Devin and Heather Smock, Pizza Records originated on West State Street in the old Gillham-Buchanan Funeral Home that was most recently known as Gillham House.
Devin Smock says when deciding to open Pizza Records, it was kind of an accident. He had quite a collection of records in his basement and, through a mutual friend, was connected to Colleen Flinn, owner of the previous Gillham House. The Smocks began selling records in a small space of Gillham House — and it took off. They eventually grew into a bigger space within the same building.
They ultimately then moved into their current large space, which houses vinyl (both old and new), band tee-shirts, used CDs and cassette tapes, Funko Pops, vinyl accessories and turntables, and offers free coffee. The Smocks agree about their move downtown on the square, saying, “It’s been great! People know where we’re at and can find us easily. We also get some walk-through traffic.”
Having a record store “feels very natural for us,” adds Devin Smock. “It wasn’t exactly planned. We’ve always been obsessed with live music. It was an accident but in a good way.”
Smock remembers the days growing up when bands would play at Nichols Park in Jacksonville. Bands such as “The Junior Varsity” would play some of their first shows as the Smocks wanted to offer an area for bands to showcase their talent at Pizza Records, as well.
“We are a record store first,” says Devin Smock. “The music venue portion is a passion, and it allows us to help kids make original music.” Indoor locations for live music in Jacksonville are delegated to mostly bars. While area bars host some incredible bands, it does limit the acts that can play, as well as the viewership, whereas at Pizza Records, all ages are able to enjoy the shows.
Devin Smock grew up in Jacksonville and Heather Smock grew up in Winchester, and both agree that their store is unique in that “You won’t find something like Pizza Records in towns the size of Jacksonville.” The store holds all types of music and genres. If you’re looking for it, chances are they have it. If they don’t, they can get it. They also host all types of music. On December 28, they hosted a hip hop act. Pizza Records also holds an open mic comedy night every Wednesday. The Smocks say they are “constantly thinking of things and evolving” and add, “We are open to everything.”
Pizza Records is open Tuesday-Thursday from noon-7 p.m., Friday from noon-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If anyone is interested in performing, contact the Smocks by emailing Pizzarecords@aol.com or message the Facebook page. For more info on upcoming acts, check out “Pizza Records” on Facebook.
