A Slice of Something Bigger

McVeytown OIP

       When you first walk into a pizza shop, you probably expect to find fresh pizza of all types, perfectly browned strombolis, a strong aroma of fresh baked bread, and the usual loud, busy, and overwhelming atmosphere. However, in McVeytown, the small, decorated pizza shop that sits just on the corner of the square, tucked away in the middle of town, has grown to be so much more than a quick and easy place to grab a delicious meal. When you first enter the restaurant, you immediately notice the limited seating. Only six booths, three on each side of the room, take up the space in the main dining area, with "little Italy" in the back room only including one booth and one six-person table. Every seat is covered in the same dark red leather at each table. On one wall, silly frames of dogs surfing hang on either side of a "pizza encyclopedia" poster that includes every type of pizza you could think of. The other wall consists of a variety of pizza peels (wooden trays used to take pizza out of the ovens) appearing as a unique accent wall, quite fitting for a pizza shop. Since it opened in 1985, it has gone through four different owners, currently owned by Sheri Luft, ever since 2022. It has become a place where people feel welcomed, supported, and cared for. Through the way they treat their customers and give back to the community, the McVeytown OIP has shown that sometimes the biggest impact can come from the smallest places. 

Popular Dining Spot "Little Italy" 

    The biggest parts of what makes the shop more than just a restaurant are the people behind the counter. They're the ones that interact with each customer, cook whatever meal they desire, and make everything happen. For Yvonne, a waitress at the OIP for the past three years, waitressing means so much more than simply taking orders and bringing people their food. Yvonne shares, "I love my job because it's more than just taking care of customers' every need and serving them food, but more so because I get to know them and make some new friends." Each day, she comes in with her blonde hair in her everyday bun with a little clip at the bottom holding up her baby hairs, and her usual jean shorts, "peace love pizza" shirt, her red zip up for when she's cold, and her fun choice of sneakers for the day. Today it happens to be a pair of blue, pink, and yellow Onclouds. Each day she comes excited to see familiar faces and even meet new ones. "It's nice to know that people feel comfortable coming and sitting down at our establishment," joyfully exclaims Yvonne. 

Chris

    That same care can be seen in the kitchen. Chris has been a cook at the OIP for thirty-seven years but has also taken part in owning the shop from 2005 until 2022, when she sold it to the current owner, Sheri. Chris comes into work every day with her strawberry blonde hair with her straight bangs in a high ponytail. She may always come in complaining about having to work but really, she loves cooking for her customers. Today she wears jeans and her grey OIP shirt with the quote, "So... do you want it or not," from a time she happened to say that to a customer on the phone during a rush. Chris quickly becomes snippy during rushes, which may be why most people view her as the least friendly, but really, Chris is a big teddy bear. Chris says, "In my thirty-seven years I've gone from making subs, to working on the grill, to making pizzas, and back to working on the grill, where I am now." Chris has been at the OIP for so long and has watched so many things change such as prices, menu items, people, and even her own position. However, Chris' favorite menu item to make has never changed. "My favorite thing to make has always been either a regular Italian sub or just a turkey sub," Chris gladly admitted. Whether Yvonne appears to be talking with customers or Chris is preparing food in the kitchen, both help build an understanding of how the employees help create the welcoming atmosphere.

A Cold Turkey Sub

    For some customers, the welcoming environment means even more. For one regular customer with autism, the kindness of the employees has become a familiar part of each visit. He returns nearly every day (maybe even twice a day), sometimes to just simply sit inside the comfort of the OIP. He comes into the OIP just like any normal day with a big smile on his face, holding his binder of train pictures, and his stuffed animal. 

    Before he even reaches the counter, Yvonne shouts, "What can I get for you today?" 

    He quickly responds, "Can I get my special?" His special isn't a true menu item but rather something that Chris put together just for him and now everyone seems to know what his special includes. It consists of a plain burger in a metal to-go container with a smiley face made of ketchup and shredded lettuce for hair. 

    Yvonne then asks him, "Did you want a root beer also," knowing that he normally gets one even if he didn't mention it when he ordered. 

    While he waits for his special to be brought out, he asks each customer that comes in if they'd like to pet his stuffed animal, and they almost always do. Sometimes when he asks her during a slow moment, Yvonne will sit at the table with him and watch his presentation of train pictures in his binder. Each of these things bring this customer joy, and maybe that's what constantly keeps him coming back. 

Backpack Setup Along the Window

    The OIP's care doesn't just mean serving people food whenever they come in. It also means supporting the people in the community that may need a little extra help. Each year, the OIP sets backpacks, loaded with school supplies, along the big window up front. These backpacks are free and available to whoever may need them. 

    A customer enters the door seeming rather ashamed, asks, "Are your backpacks still available?" 

    "Yes, there are some up there lined up against the window," Yvonne describes. 

    The customer replies with "Is it okay if I take three?" 

    Yvonne gives an assuring nod, and the customer thanks her very appreciatively. 

    Giving away backpacks when back-to-school time comes around again may seem silly to some people, but for families who need them, it can make a real difference. 

    At the end of the day, the McVeytown OIP is very much so still a pizza shop. People come in for a meal with their family, friends, or maybe even sometimes themselves, but the OIP's goal is something more than that. They hope that each customer leaves with a familiar face, a kind interaction, or even just the feeling that someone else cares about them. The McVeytown OIP is more than just serving pizza. They constantly strive to serve kindness, as well.