Our Support Center held a “Tastes of Lawndale” event to learn more about the history and impact of the store.
Lou Malnati’s has a rich history in the Lawndale community. It is perhaps the most unique store in the company and its impact transcends pizza. When it opened in 1995, it was essentially the only option for anyone in the local community who was looking for a true sit-down, dine-in experience. The store has positively impacted the lives of so many not only in the community, but within our company. We heard from our own Robert Perry, who still works for us in our call center, about how he got his start at Lawndale nearly 30 years ago and how that helped turn his life around. This was the vision for many of the employees who were hired when the store opened.
We also heard from former managers of the store Linda Matthews and Cynthia Roberts, who were responsible for cultivating the culture in a store and with a team that truly needed it. The two said they wouldn’t change a single thing about their time in Lawndale and are proud of the work they did and relationships they built. Other speakers included those who dreamed up, planned, and executed the idea of opening a store in the Lawndale community; Marc Malnati, Rick Malnati, Stu Cohen and Jim Freeland. Lynn Young, former District Manager, and the only one who ever oversaw a profitable year at Lawndale, also spoke about the special place it has in her heart.
Of course, the event also had to highlight the unique menu items offered at Lawndale throughout the years. The soul food menu, though not as extensive as it once was, still includes whole fried Chicken Wings and Peach Cobler. To make sure we had the full taste of the old menu, Gabriella Streicher got ahold of the old recipes and made Cornbread, Candied Yams and Collard Greens for all in attendance to enjoy. A true taste of Lawndale!
The event would not have been complete without a visit from Jean Malnati Miller as well! See her photographed with all our speakers as well as other pictures from the event below.
Recent Comments