The building had not been used for several years and needed significant repairs, including new ceiling tiles, a floor drain, new water lines and several other improvements.
“We bought the shell,” said Patty Matthews. “It was considered an abandoned building in the city’s eyes.”
The sisters take turns working shifts at their new business, which will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays. The business has four employees.
Patty works full-time running a stamping machine at Eby-Brown, while Sue works at Speedway’s corporate offices in Enon. However, Sue also has close to four decades of experience in the pizza business, mostly at The Pizza N’ Stuff Tavern.
A car accident in 2012 made it impossible for Sue to continue her work at Pizza N’ Stuff, so she began seeking other opportunities. The sisters weren’t sure whether to open the business or simply try to sell the restored building to a new owner. But they were pleased with the result and wanted to try to offer a new option for residents in the neighborhood.
Patty noted there are few other options for area residents to go for dinner in the neighborhood. The business will not offer delivery, although it could be an option in the future. As much as possible, Sue said the new restaurant will work with suppliers throughout the region and Ohio for ingredients.
Both sisters expect to retire in a few years, and said the new business would allow them to stay busy in a career they’re interested in. After about a week in business, they said they’ve already received positive reviews from customers.
Investing in stocks can be risky and savings accounts aren’t paying much interest, Patty joked, so it was time to try something different.
“Why not invest in ourselves,” she said.
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