Community Spotlight: Pizza Pro
Walking into Pizza Pro in Cabot, Arkansas, you’re greeted not just by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pizza but by the palpable warmth of a community hub. John “Johnny” Campbell, the owner, isn’t just serving pizza; he’s serving a legacy of resilience, dedication, and community spirit that’s as rich as the toppings on his pies. Alongside him is Harry Einhorn, the manager whose steadfast presence and leadership have been crucial to the success of this beloved local establishment.
After high school, Campbell took a brief detour into the Marine Corps, but his love for the pizza business drew him back. Upon returning to Cabot, he quickly rose through the ranks at Pizza Pro, eventually becoming the vice president of the company. Under the leadership of Scott Stevens, the founder of Pizza Pro, Campbell played a pivotal role in the franchising efforts that began in 1992. “Scott Stevens, the founder of the company, wanted to make me his vice president, and we started franchising in 1992,” Campbell shared. His journey from a delivery driver to a top executive was a testament to his dedication and hard work.
In 2018, after years of traveling for work and raising two small children, Campbell found himself at a crossroads. Stevens offered him the opportunity to purchase the Pizza Pro location where his career began, and it was a chance Campbell couldn’t pass up. The decision was driven by more than just business. “We bought it for sentimental value…this is where I started out,” Campbell explained. This wasn’t just a business decision; it was deeply personal. Owning this Pizza Pro location was a way for Campbell to reconnect with his roots and invest in the community that had supported him throughout his life.
But Campbell wasn’t in this alone. By his side was Einhorn, a key figure in the day-to-day operations of Pizza Pro. Einhorn, who joined the team in 2020, brought with him a wealth of experience in the pizza business—three more years than Campbell himself. “Harry’s got a little bit more patience as far as training employees and being involved with day-to-day operations… He’s better at it,” Campbell noted with appreciation. Einhorn’s expertise and dedication have allowed Campbell to focus on the bigger picture, knowing that the daily operations are in capable hands.
Einhorn’s role goes beyond just managing the staff; he’s been instrumental in handling the logistical challenges that come with running a busy pizza restaurant. Whether it’s coordinating the delivery of pizzas each week to local schools or ensuring that every customer has a consistent experience, Einhorn’s meticulous attention to detail has been vital to Pizza Pro’s success. “Harry keeps the fights really off of me… He knows what to do on the day-to-day operations,” Campbell said, highlighting the trust and camaraderie that have developed between the two.
Campbell saw owning Pizza Pro as an opportunity to give back to the community that had always been there for him. Over the years, he and his wife have become known for their extensive community involvement, supporting 26 different charities, with a particular focus on Lonoke County Safe Haven. “We do a lot of community involvement out of here… but our main one is Lonoke County Safe Haven,” Campbell noted. This dedication to giving back is more than just business; it’s a reflection of Campbell’s belief in supporting those who need it most.
One particular story stands out in Campbell’s commitment to the community. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses were struggling to keep their doors open, Campbell and his wife made a bold decision. Despite the financial strain, they chose to provide free meals to children who relied on school lunches, which had been disrupted by the pandemic. “During COVID, for three weeks, we provided free meals to kids who were on free and reduced lunches. We didn’t know where the money was going to come from, but it showed up,” Campbell recounted. They provided studentswith a hot meal and a sense of normalcy during an incredibly challenging time. This act of generosity exemplifies Campbell’s unwavering commitment to his community.
Running a business, especially in recent years, has not been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen difficulties, particularly with the skyrocketing cost of supplies and the impact on profitability. “COVID really changed everything…profitability is not where it needs to be, but we can’t get there because then nobody could afford to go out to eat,” Campbell explained. The rising cost of ingredients and the challenges in the supply chain forced many businesses to increase prices, but Campbell, with the help of Einhorn, was determined to keep his pizzas affordable for the community. “We run a family meal deal right now that you can feed eight to nine people off of and you can keep it under about $5 a person,” he shared. This value-driven approach has allowed Pizza Pro to remain a staple in Cabot.
Campbell’s vision for Pizza Pro goes beyond just making a profit. He’s deeply committed to ensuring that his business remains a cornerstone of the Cabot community. Looking to the future, Campbell hinted at the possibility of expanding their services, potentially even offering dine-in options. “The future of Pizza Pro is only going to get better…community involvement will only get bigger,” he shared with optimism. He and Einhorn are constantly exploring new ways to serve the community, whether through new menu items, expanded services, or increased support for local charities.
One of the most striking aspects of Campbell’s philosophy is his approach to customer service. At Pizza Pro, every customer is treated as if they’re spending their last dollar. “You never know when somebody’s spending their last food dollar…we treat them the same as somebody that’s buying our 16-inch, five-pound pizza, which is a $30 pizza,” Campbell emphasized. This customer-first approach is not just a business strategy; it’s a core value that Campbell and Einhorn have instilled in the team. By ensuring that every customer feels valued and appreciated, Pizza Pro has built a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.
Beyond the day-to-day operations, Campbell’s passion for the food service industry is deeply rooted in the joy of serving others. “One thing that you can do with food is change somebody having a bad day if you do things right,” Campbell said with a smile. Whether it’s through a well-made pizza or a kind word at the window, Campbell and Einhorn strive to make a positive impact on every customer they serve.
As Campbell and Einhorn continue to navigate the ups and downs of the food service industry, their commitment to the community remains unwavering. Whether it’s through supporting local charities, offering affordable meal deals, or simply making sure every pizza is perfect, Pizza Pro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, community, and a well-made pizza.
With their eyes set on the future, Campbell and Einhorn are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. And as long as there’s a community to serve and pizzas to be made, you can be sure that Pizza Pro will continue to be a beacon of light in Cabot, Arkansas.
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Jun. 18th, 2024