Opened in 1976 by John Hindman and Charlie Konett, Bilbo's has grown to become an iconic restaurant in the Kalamazoo area. As college friends, John and Charlie's interest in the fantasy worlds created by J.R.R. Tolkien led them to name Bilbo's after one of The Hobbit's most enduring – and endearing – characters. As illustrated in Bilbo's thematic menu, the pair had a blast weaving elements of Tolkien's rich, descriptive world into the fabric of the restaurant. From the logo, inspired by the verdant canopy of Hobbiton's Mallorn tree, to the interior design, influenced by key events in Tolkien's trilogy, Bilbo's not only promises great pizza, they promise a unique experience.