The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Last New Year’s Eve several Peru residents almost went into panic mode. When they phoned their favorite pizza shop, no one answered. There was no reason to panic! An ownership transition was taking place that day. On January 1, 2016, ownership of the Little Pizza Shop at 618 Laphams Mills Road passed from Anne and Steve Soulia to Todd and Amy Clowney.

Todd Clowney stated, “We want to keep Steve and Anne’s legacy going. We also want to keep jobs in Peru.” Todd and Amy have special feeling for those jobs; they both worked at the Little Pizza Shop while attending Peru High School. Amy Clowney said, “We just want to keep it a small, hometown, family-oriented pizza place. We didn’t want the business to close. It’s been a staple in Peru.” The Clowneys haven’t changed the shop’s menu and young children can still look forward to the free Tootsie Rolls and other candies in the countertop yellow cab. Amy said, “We made sure that cab came with the business!”

The Clowneys are inheriting a large customer base from Peru, AuSable Forks and Keeseville. Amy estimates that 80% of the Little Pizza Shop’s customers are repeat customers. She said customers have been very supportive. More than one person has said, “We’re so happy the shop didn’t close. We don’t know what we’d do.”

Amy Clowney has extensive restaurant experience having served as a manager at the Naked Turtle and Olive Ridley’s restaurants in Plattsburgh for several years. Todd Clowney operates Clowney Electrical Services, a 24-hour commercial and residential services company.

The success of any business is dependent on a competent, enthusiastic staff. When Rachael Schweikert said she would stay on as shop manager, it made the Clowneys decision to purchase the business much easier. Her experience is invaluable.

Surprisingly, there isn’t any one chef among the seven person staff. Amy and Rachael prepare the pizza dough and everyone multi-tasks. Amy said, “Our employees are a very tight-knit group. They work very well together. If someone needs help, another just moves over and helps out. They’re team players. No one person does everything.”

The Little Pizza Shop’s 24-slice sheet pizza starting at only $19.00 is one of its most popular items. “THE WORKS” with its multitude of toppings is the most popular pizza. Other major categories include specialty pizzas, calzones, chicken wings, salads, club sandwiches, hot and cold subs, desserts, quesadillas, wraps and a variety of soft drinks. Click here to view menu

New owners Amy and Todd Clowney have added Wednesday as a business day. The Little Pizza Shop is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Phone 518-643-0552. The shop has a Facebook page.