the rolls originated as a lunch option for the coal miners of north-central west virginia in the first half of the twentieth century. the pepperoni roll bears a resemblance to the pasty and sausage roll, which originated in the mining communities of great britain, as well as to the italian calzone. all these foods allow a miner on a break from a tiring and dirty job to eat a full meal with a minimum of fuss. pepperoni and other italian foods became popular in north-central west virginia in the early 20th century, when the booming mines and railroads attracted many immigrants from italy.