Interview with Rick Larson, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My recipes and background come from the East Coast. My grandparents were in the restaurant business and I chose to go into the pizza business instead of going to college.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are the real — capital R — New York-style, East Coast pizza place. We make the best pizza, especially if you come in, sit down and take the time to enjoy it here.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The best for me has been the freedom to do other things beside just the restaurant business. I’m on 30 years this year and I’ve been able to do a lot of things in 30 years. Pizza has been able to get me into a lot of business opportunities and friendships. I live up here and the people up here have been very great, not to mention I’m off the highway up here.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Getting employees up here. When we get a good crew, it’s nice, but employees have been a difficult part for us because when they get good, they leave. I opened a bar in Costa Rica for years and that was a great perk to get to offer employees, to spend a week down there. I’m not doing anything down there at the moment, but probably in the future.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We’ve been family-owned and operated for 30 years — we being me with the help of my parents and, now, my kids. We are celebrating 30 years as of Aug. 3.
Profile
Business: Guido’s Pizza
Address: Genesee Town Center, 25948 Genesee Trail Road, Suite 1, Genesee
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. every day
Founded: 1985
Contact: 303-526-1510;
Employees: 10
