On Thursday, June 11, The Pizza Factory in Shelby celebrated 40 years of serving the community.
The business originally opened in 1985, by Julie Lothschutz and Al Norwood. Less than a year later, ownership changed into the hands of Pat Brown, and the pizza place was hers by June of 1986. “I started in July of 1987. My Aunt Pat hired me at the age of 15. There were a few years I did other jobs, but I always came back. So, I have worked here for 35 years,” states current Pizza Factory owner Annette Kurzer.
Over the years, Kurzer’s role grew from employee to manager to eventually owner. “I managed from 2000 on to the year 2020 and started the process of buying it while my aunt semi-retired. The purchase was finalized in 2023!”
Ownership has not been the only change throughout the years. "We started on 'The Hill,' on Third Street, and moved to the downtown location by the Wooden Nickel (now Deb's), and after the devastating fire, my aunt moved The Pizza Factory across the street to the old Tanner and Stark building," Kurzer explained..
After Kurzer became owner, additional changes were made to the restaurant, including a coffee bar featuring their very own Pizza Factory coffee blend. But in the end, the original pizza recipes stayed the same. “I would never mess with perfection,” says Kurzer. “We still want to produce a product that has enough toppings on it to make you full. To feed that family, or just yourself."
Looking back on these four decades, Kurzer noted, "I’m so honored to be a part of this family-oriented place and community, and I am hoping for so many more great years of service.”
To celebrate the milestone, the Pizza Factory family welcomed their customers with cake and had their signature pepperoni pizza on special.
