GALION, Ohio – Pizza lovers in Galion have a new restaurant to indulge in with the opening of a Papa John’s franchise in the Galion West Shopping Center.
Franchise owner Mike Fender officially cut the ribbon to open the pizzeria on Thursday morning, and the 216 Portland Way N location is now ready to take orders. He explained Galion was a key development location for Papa John’s.
“It really is better ingredients, better pizza,” said Fender. “There’s a standard of wanting our pizza to taste good but when someone opens the box for it to look good, too.”
Franchise consultant Bob Oberding was on hand Thursday morning to help Fender and General Manager Tom Garverick get started. Oberding pointed to the picture of Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter on the wall of the Galion store, and told the story of how Schnatter started his pizza company in the broom closet of his father’s tavern.
“The stories you hear about him are true,” said Oberding. “He’s a very unique individual, a very focused guy and a fun guy to work for.
“We’re just a small pizza company compared to the big guys,” he continued. “We love having Tom and Mike on board, we need this kind of energy.”
Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary welcomed Fender and his staff to the Galion West Shopping Center, which he affectionately referred to as “Galion’s international food court.”
“‘Eat more pizza’ will be the motto for Galion,” O’Leary joked. “We’re really happy to have you here and pizza eaters are especially happy.”
Joe Kleinknecht, President and CEO of the Galion-Crestline Chamber of Commerce, noted that the community has been eagerly anticipating the opening of the Papa John’s restaurant.
“I announced it at a meeting one day and three people clapped, so I think that’s good news for you,” said Kleinknecht with a laugh. “It’s always good to get a new business…this is about the free enterprise system, and everyone has the right to do their own thing and try to be successful. I don’t care what the business is, when it comes into town and employs people and pays taxes it’s good for the community.”
The Galion Papa John’s currently employs 26 people, and Fender added he is always looking for new drivers. The franchise has room for growth into surrounding communities in the future, but for now Fender is excited to get the Galion location up and running.
“We are a new store and there may be some bumps in the road right now getting people trained. Even just slapping dough is a difficult process and it takes a few weeks to actually get the process down before you actually top it,” said Fender. “I hope people are understanding, but I also want to put out a good product.”
“We’re just a small pizza company compared to the big guys,” he continued. “We love having Tom and Mike on board, we need this kind of energy,” said consultant Bob Oberding.
