“The Pizza Place” in Harrowsmith - new place, new name for former Papa Pete's owner

Mar 11, 2015

Linda Irish-Burns has been in the pizza business in Harrowsmith for close to 25 years and her loyal customers will be pleased to know that a recent name and location change is all that has changed at the long-time family-run business, where she works with her sons Scott and Sean.

The business changed location on February 1 after Linda purchased the former Ella's Bakery and Restaurant building, which prior to that had been Castle Coffee. Linda was looking to buy a building, build equity and the new location offered her a bigger and more pleasing space where she continues to work along with her sons and six other staff members. The new building boasts two-thirds more space than she formerly had and it allows space for additional customer seating, storage and parking.

Linda had some key renovations done in December after the purchase was final, which included modifying and opening up the service area, upgrading the plumbing and washroom facilities (one of which is wheelchair accessible), and she is pleased to announce the business is now open for business as usual under its new name, “The Pizza Place”.

Thanks to a business loan from the Frontenac Community Futures Corporation (FCFDC) located just up the road, Linda was able to purchase some new equipment she needed, including a new walk in cooler and a brand new slice oven. Since Linda was no longer associated with the franchise, she chose to change the name when she changed locations. “The new name, 'The Pizza Place' made perfect sense”, she said when I interviewed her at the new location earlier this week. “I thought, everyone has always called it “The Pizza Place”, so why not just go with that as the business's new name.”

Everything else about the business remains the same. The menu, which has kept her customers coming back, is your typical go-to pizzeria fare - subs, wings, a wide variety of pizzas, and salad. Linda said that she is hoping to eventually also offer up a selection of burgers and fries. While Linda continues to work behind the counter on Fridays and Saturdays and still manages the business end of things, (she worked for 28 years as a trust administrator at RBC), she expects that her son Scott will soon be taking over the reins by the end of the year.

Business hours have not changed. The Pizza Place, located at 4946 Road 38 in Harrowsmith, is open 7 days a week from 11 AM; Monday through Wednesday until 8 PM; Thursday until 9PM, Friday and Saturday until midnight; and Sunday until 8 PM. Hours may vary depending on customer traffic and will be extended during the summer season. Staff can deliver (for a fee), north to Westport Road, east to Perth Road, south to Unity Road and west to Yarker and Moscow. Linda is thrilled with the new name and new building and she and her sons are looking forward to serving the community for many more years to come. For more information call 613-372-5693