John Dough gives pizza a new identity in Sauk Rapids

by Steven Wright

news@thenewsleaders.com

John Dough’s Pizza opened its doors for the first time last Friday and was flooded with dozens of customers, ready to try Sauk Rapids’ newest pizza.

The new location, which sits between Benton Station and Subway on Benton drive has been in the works for more than six months, with owner Leon Pierskalla adding the final touches last week.

“It was in really rough shape,” Pierskalla said, speaking of the new location which used to be home to Pizza Hut. “But now it’s brand new.”

The center of attention in John Dough’s dining space is a large wooden table, repurposed from an old bowling alley lane, which can seat up to 14 guests.

Pierskalla has been working around pizza for more than two decades, getting his start in the business at Sammy’s Pizza in St. Cloud. Later, with personal recipes in hand and the opportunity to strike, Pierskalla opened his first John Dough’s in Melrose, Minn. more than eight years ago.

“My kids were close to being out of school and all the stars aligned and we went for it,” Pierskalla said. It’s a true mom-and-pop operation at the newest John Dough’s Pizza. Pierskalla’s wife, son and daughter all help out with dad’s new business, handling everything from cooking and serving to cleaning dishes.

The support from the community has also made their family’s experience with John Dough’s an enjoyable one.

“Sauk Rapids has been wonderful,” Pierskalla said. “Everyone has been warm and welcoming.”

Not only were customers flooding the restaurant on Friday for the opening, but many patrons also stopped in on Sunday for John Dough’s lunch buffet, which included taco and alfredo pizza. Pierskalla hopes to expand his lunch buffet in the future to seven days a week and would compliment his pizza with soup, salad and breadsticks.

For now, delivery drivers are still being hired, but anyone can swing in to grab a bite of John Dough’s Pizza, advertised as “Pizza to die for.”