Pepperoni Roll Preservation Society
An independent cultural institution charged with preserving the history, standards and continued availability of West Virginia’s most dependable handheld meal.
Review the institutional charter
To preserve the roll, document the tradition and defend the standard.
The Pepperoni Roll Preservation Society safeguards West Virginia’s signature foodway through public education, historical documentation and firm but courteous intervention whenever an otherwise respectable establishment attempts to serve one with a ramekin of marinara. The Society recognizes reasonable variations involving cheese or hot peppers. All other modifications remain subject to review.
“I pledge to preserve the pepperoni roll in good faith; to respect its coalfield origins; to defend its proper name; and to never describe it as merely a calzone without sauce.”Administered with the right hand raised and the left hand holding a pepperoni roll.
- 01
Maintain the official distinction between a pepperoni roll, pepperoni bread and whatever restaurants in other states are trying to sell.
- 02
Document bakery traditions, lunch-bucket history and regional preparation methods throughout West Virginia.
- 03
Review reports of unnecessary marinara, arugula, artisanal drizzle and other unauthorized improvements.
- 04
Issue public corrections when a menu identifies the item as a stromboli, calzone or stuffed breadstick.
- 05
Encourage every West Virginia road trip to begin with an adequate emergency supply.
Petition for membership
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum standards before receiving provisional standing.
- Demonstrates a working knowledge of the roll and its cultural importance.
- Recognizes that cheese and hot peppers are matters of personal conscience.
- Agrees not to refrigerate a fresh roll before the car leaves the bakery parking lot.
- Will provide calm, accurate correction when an out-of-state relative asks for dipping sauce.
- Accepts that the correct number to purchase is always one more than originally planned.
Current filing status: Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Committee on Membership and Roll Standards. The committee currently consists of two people and a folding table.
Josh Scott
Josh Scott serves as the Society’s acting executive director, public information officer and sole authorized keeper of the good pen. He is also Guest Editor of The Holler Herald and founder of Josh Scott Outdoors.
Wear your commitment to the roll.
Society apparel is available from EersGear. Use procurement code LETSGO26 for 20% off your order.
Affiliate disclosure: The Holler Herald may earn a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Visit the approved supplierLegal clarification: The Pepperoni Roll Preservation Society is an independent satirical institution of The Holler Herald. It is not a state agency, federal office, accredited historical society or recognized regulatory authority, despite the seal and very official tone.