After 25 years in business, Peter Cousineau still enjoys making food for other people.
He's the owner of Don's Pizzeria, 707 Lorne St. The business was Sudbury's first shop of its kind. It was started in 1950 by Don Uguccioni and then was sold to another entrepreneur before Cousineau bought it.
Though the work can be hard, there are benefits, he said.
“I do 70 per cent of the work. It can be hard. But I have some regular great customers, too many to mention. They all know my name. They treat me well. So do my suppliers. That's why I enjoy it,” said Cousineau.
If he had stayed at his Falconbridge mining job he could have retired by now.
“Some of my friends from the mine I worked at for nine years are retired now. But back then it was the real thing to get into business. I have enjoyed being an independent businessman.”
He also enjoys producing great food the old fashioned way.
“I put corn meal on the bottom of the pizza plate. That makes for a better crust. I use fresh dough, fresh onions, green peppers. I make my own spaghetti and pizza sauce every week. I even slice my own cheese. No one does that anymore.”
The gas oven Don uses is ancient.
“I believe Don Uguccioni bought it used when he first opened the business.”
Cousineau enjoys being in business in Gatchell.
“People are very honest here. They are very genuine. The have backed me up. I have been sick a few times and had to close down for up to two weeks. But they came right back when I opened again.”
His customers come from all over the city and even further.
“I have customers from Lively to Garson. I even have people from Barrie who stop in when they are in town.”
He has had some excitement in his 25 years at the shop.
“In 2000 a car came right through my front door. The driver was not impaired. He just lost control of his vehicle. It cost $10,000 to rebuild the steps and install a new front door. But the insurance paid. I wrote the experience up in Canadian Pizza Magazine,” he chuckled.
Don's Pizzeria offers eat-in or take-out food.
Summer hours are Tuesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Winter hours starting in October are Tuesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Phone 674-7864.
