Search for:
Papa knows best
Papa Del’s to bring tasty pizza to southwest Champaign
4:00 am Sep 4 - by Mashu Stul – buzz Writer
Related Venues
Papa Del's Pizza Factory »Address: 206 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 359-7700
Show on map
The waitresses by the bar fell silent and looked on as two South Chicago construction workers pondered upon the first bites of their steaming hot, deep-dish sausage-pepperoni pizza slices. They knew that these guys have some of the most seasoned, critical pizza tastes around.
“Now, I would say this is good pizza,” one of them declared. His friend agreed. “I’ll tell you this much: When I’m back in Champaign, I’m coming back to Papa Del’s for my pizza.”
Such acclaimed taste, along with the business smarts of owner Bob Monti, is what promises a long future for Papa Del’s Pizza, a staple of the CU diet for more than 30 years. In late September, Papa Del’s is scheduled to open up another restaurant in the newly constructed Village at the Crossing Center in southwest Champaign, despite hitting some rough patches along the way.
According to Monti, the new Papa Del’s was originally scheduled to open back in mid-August. However, several pieces of the equipment shipped in to furnish the new franchise were malfunctioning. As an owner of various Papa Del’s franchises since 1970, Monti said he was not fazed by the unforeseen catastrophes that crash upon the head of many an entrepreneur.
“It happens,” said Monti. “If you let it get to you, you’ll crack up and go to the loony bin. You’ve just got to roll with the punches.”
Monti said he sees location as key to the success of his business. With 20,000 people living within a two-mile radius of the up-and-coming Village at the Crossing Center — a number that continues to grow — he said the new Papa Del’s will face no shortage of demand from local pizza lovers. Though the new franchise will have no sit-down area, Monti expects the pick-up and delivery style establishment (a drive-through option will be added later on) to be a hit at this new location.
“The new Papa Del’s will cater to people who want good pizza without having to drive through campustown to get it,” he said.
A location that effectively taps into demand may be a good start for a pizza restaurant. However, according to Monti, what has determined Papa Del’s longterm success is quality that stands apart from the abundant competition.
“I have my own standard,” said Monti. “My pizza is gourmet pizza. All natural ingredients, no preservatives, minimal fattiness. I charge by pound, not by diameter. That’s why here, you get the most pound and the best quality for your dollar.”
Flavia, a waitress at the Third and Green parlor confirmed this. “I used to work upstairs, and I got to see the vegetables coming in fresh every day,” she said. “Bob even gets his sausage made especially for him.”
Indeed, that special taste is not easily forgotten. Monti said alumni get frozen Papa Del’s shipped to them, some even all the way to China and Japan!
As the last logistical issues get worked out, the pizza lovers of southwest Champaign anxiously anticipate the taste that can compete — even with Chicago pizza.
Sound Off
No comments yet!
Add your comment:
Put a name to your comments! Sign In or Register. Registered users can track their comments in their profile, use avatar images, and participate in forum discussions.