During the summer of 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, Larry Owen purchased a convection oven from a gas station and began experimenting with pizza recipes. Initially crafting pizzas for family and friends and receiving rave reviews, he decided there might be more to this pizza thing.
Just months later, he purchased a brick-and-mortar location at 2100 West 2nd Street and opened PeezO’s Pizza, bringing specialty pies to Owensboro’s west side.
“I was laid off because of the pandemic, and (I’m just) trying to pay my bills,” he said. “I started messing with my recipes, found something I liked, and got some friends to try it.”
During the early stages, Owen created a private Facebook group and invited 80 of his closest friends. In mere days, they had asked their own friends, and the group exceeded 1,000 members in no time. The group now boasts more than 6,500 members.
It was that Facebook group where folks would post pictures of the pizzas – which bear little resemblance to any other pies in Owensboro – that would spark massive growth for the pizza joint. Fast forward 3 years, and not much has changed – everyone still wants a piece of the pie.
“Early on, people were instantly reaching out to find out how they could get the pizza. We couldn’t even keep up with demand,” he said. “Our kitchen is completely remodeled, and we offer several menu items.”
Beyond pizza, PeezO’s menu features an assortment of wing flavors, fresh salad, sandwiches on homemade bread, and just about any kind of wing imaginable. They offer dine-in, delivery, and catering services.
Owen entered the venture without debt, continuing to work at Aleris full-time and raising a family.
“My whole family has been very supportive. I’m only in the position I am because of the people around me,” he said.
Owen spent the early portion of his career as an industrial contractor, traveling nationwide. As a pizza enthusiast, he made it a priority to visit the local pizza establishments.
“I have been a pizza guy my whole life. It’s always been a favorite of mine,” he said. “I wanted a place in Owensboro where you could get a quality pizza that rivals some of the ones I’ve tried. Every time I post a picture, I get an instant reaction. I’m very grateful.”
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
