The Pizza Heist; stealing appetites not cash

LANCASTER- There’s no question that Greg and Mike Heist know what they’re doing when it comes to running a business, but when it comes to making pizza, well that’s an experiment.

For the past two months, The Pizza Heist has been satisfying the taste buds of the community serving delectables like the fan favorite barbeque/char-broiled wings to the classic pepperoni and cheese pizza.

Brothers Greg and Mike decided to take on the pizzeria when Johnny J’s was on the market.

“I’ve been working in a pizzeria since I was 15. The opportunity came up so I thought about trying and running a business while doing something I had a background in,” Mike said.

Mike relied on younger brother Greg, manager at Hollister and business management administration graduate from The University at Buffalo, for his business background.

“I have the insight from school that everything has to be for the customer in order to be successful,” Greg remarked. “It has to be the best quality and best looking food.”

And the brothers do rely heavily on feedback from customers and family members, both positive and not so positive.

At the end of the day, they sit around and discuss what to try, which can end up as 2 a.m. cooking experiments.

“It’s like a competition between brothers and associates as to who can make the better tasting food,” Mike joked.

However, the brothers being of German and Polish descent, needed some help for basic recipes.

“We got in contact with the original John who started Johnny J’s eight years ago and got insight with a Fox Valley Chef,” Mike said. “We mix-matched ideas for a general consensus until the food tasted good.”

While they seem to be pleasing the crowd, there is still room for the menu to grow.

“We’re open to any ideas. If people want to call in and see what we can make or what they want to see on our menu, it helps as much as possible,” Greg said.

Dad the fish fry master is making homemade coleslaw and macaroni salad, as well as homemade meatballs and taco meat; while mom wants to see fresh salads on the menu, which Greg said is yet to come.

“Everything is made with love,” Greg exclaimed.

You probably know who is cooking your food, with a couple generations of Heists roaming Lancaster.

“Everyone knows Heist from growing up,” Greg said.

It’s also the reason for the name of the pizzeria. A twist on the traditional pizzeria name and a way for local recognition, the slogan also plays on the real meaning of a “heist.”

There’s no doubt you will get “A Meal for a Steal” with the research the Heist brothers have done.

“We offer the lowest prices for the best quality food,” Greg remarked.

Now that you’re hungry, stop into The Pizza Heist, located at 231 Aurora St., Lancaster, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday and Saturday, or call 681-1111 for delivery.