STEVENS POINT (WAOW) -
As customers flood into Polito's during the lunch hour,
workers sprinkle all kinds of ingredients onto pizzas.
"We're different than everywhere else. You know, the
atmosphere, we've got a high energy atmosphere. People like coming in here. We
have good employees, good customer service. We have a good product. We don't
skimp on anything," said Kevin Polito, owner of the restaurant.
And customers can get that quality pizza at a low price.
Polito said that's part of what keeps his business thriving.
"People can come in for lunch and buy a slice and a soda for
three bucks. So, I mean, it's a pretty big draw. I think that's why we're
staying busy, you know, during these times," said Polito.
And staying busy is paying off. Polito's has four
restaurants and will add three more in the coming months in Wisconsin Rapids,
DePere and Schofield. Polito said sales have grown 15 percent to 30 percent
each year.
"I think any community would embrace Polito's. It's good
pizza. It's a nice atmosphere," said Sara Rogers, a customer at the Stevens
Point Polito's.
And that's exactly what Keith Clawson is hoping for. He's
worked at Polito's since it opened in 2007 in Stevens Point and will be running
the restaurant's new location in Wisconsin Rapids.
"It should be fun. I mean, I'm excited for it. I like to
meet new people and get to know a lot of the customers, and that's a big thing
for us," said Clawson.
Polito said he's looking forward to the new locations, too.
"I feel very lucky. I mean, 5 years ago when we opened, I
didn't expect it to take off the way it did," said Polito.
Polito said the business has plans for more locations in the
future. He expects to hire about 20 employees in each of the new locations.
