Johnny’s Pizza, Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe is one of the most beautiful cities that offers so many things that range from education, culture, and sports. Louisiana is regarded as the Sportsman’s man paradise with beautiful sceneries ranging from Bayou Desiard and Black Bayou on the Ouachita River that is popular for fishing, boating, and skiing to the Russell Sage Wildlife Reserve for hunting. Importantly, Louisiana is home to beautiful restaurants, and renowned local chefs are famous for preparing the Louisiana cuisine. One such restaurant is Johnny’s Pizza. The restaurant started as a tiny store with three parking spaces in 1967 to become one of the largest locally owned pizza chain in Louisiana.
“Johny Huntsman was always passionate about starting a business venture, but the only thing he was passionate about was making pizza, which he learned while in college,” said one of the employees I interviewed. Like James Wright, the employee I interviewed, described Johnny Huntsman, I was so amazed by the passion, commitment, and hope John had in the pizza business. People in Monroe had never eaten pizza before since there were no pizza stores in the town. Nonetheless, Johnny’s was hopeful that with proper awareness, the product would thrive in the market.
“Things started slow since the business was new in town,” the employee added, “But when the national chain started advertising in town, he took advantage of the opportunity to popularize the product.” It is through these times that the product got a stake in the market share of Louisiana. “However, the fast growth of the pizza business was derailed by a trickle-down of Louisiana’s economy,” another employee observed, “This situation forced Johnny to incorporate creative grassroots marketing tactics to attract customers, which included standing at the busiest intersection in Monroe donned in suspenders, sneakers, and a cap with a sign that read ‘ Please Eat Johnny’s Pizza’.” This marketing tactic brought in publicity, and the sales bounced back. Currently, Johnnies’ Pizza commands a larger market share due to restaurant being ranked as one of North Louisiana’s favorite pizza and one that engages in excellent community services.
Accompanied by my friend, who was new to Louisiana, we decided to have a taste of Johnny’s Pizza. The customer service was excellent. It did not take time before the waiters noticed and served us with the menu first. I could quickly notice the confusion in my friend’s face when I asked him to make a selection of the pizza for tonight. “I’m lost, bro,” he added, “Just make a selection of your favorite.” That is how we ended up ordering Pepperoni Power Pizza for the two of us. The pizza was incredibly delicious. We ended up ordering more and more. I could hardly take note of the count until when my colleague shouted: “this is the 6th time we are ordering!” We had to stop and get back home since it was getting late.
For those who have never been to Johnny’s Pizza in Louisiana, it is high time to explore this experience. I am confident that you will not regret the moment spent. Someone once said, “The person who said money cannot buy happiness, has not yet spent money on Pizza.”