Favorites Pizza celebrates 20 years of business

by Chris Michel
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 10, 2006

Gary Favorite, owner of Favorites Pizzeria, stands proudly with his family and employees around a finished product.

When Gary Favorite first opened his business, he was optimistic and wanted to give the community a quality pizzeria. Now, after years of hard work, quality products and much success, Favorites Pizzeria prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Favorite got his start working as a delivery boy at Buzzy’s Pizzeria when he was 15. There, he learned the ins and outs of the business and what it takes to be successful.

Favorite also worked at the Red Coach Inn, managing a pizzeria, worked part time at Papa Leo’s and managed Frontier Lanes pizzeria for three year. In 1986, he opened Favorites Pizzeria, which has become a mainstay in Lewiston.

On Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, Favorite’s Pizza will have customer appreciation days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to celebrate its 20th anniversary. At the event there will be girl scouts face painting, games, raffles and door prizes and 50 cent slices of pizza. “We will also have a few clowns and Mr. Pizza Pie here as well for the kids,” said Favorite.

Favorite attributes his success to his loyal employees, good service and quality food products. “I have been blessed to have a business where I work with my family, and anyone that isn’t a family member is treated like one. Everyone enjoys their jobs, and without them, I don’t think I would be this successful,” Favorite said.

Favorite has always been grateful for his success and regularly gives back to the community. Favorite has been active in the youth baseball league through coaching and sponsoring several teams. “I also make donations and help support several good causes throughout the community, like the Cub Scouts, hospital events, the American Cancer Society and any other good cause I can help out.

In the future, Favorite only sees his business getting bigger. “We are planning to expand the menu, make it more convenient for customers to come in for lunch and do some remodeling to change the looks of the place a bit,” Favorite said.