For more than 13 years Brad Hurlbutt was working for others in the food industry, including experience at Saylor's Pizza in Niles, Dowagiac, and Watervliet.
During the past seven or eight years, the desire to run his own pizzeria grew in Hurlbutt. He decided that to reach his potential he should make the move to open his own restaurant.
"It was time to bite the bullet or find out what I was going to do with the rest of my life," Hurlbutt says.
Ramona Bells Pizzeria, named for Hurlbutt's daughter, opened its doors at the end of May and celebrated its grand opening June 16.
Pizza, pasta, and sandwiches for takeout and delivery all are on on the menu. Hurlbutt says customers are showing a preference for the Chicken Ranch Pizza and the Philly Cheese Steak Pizza and sandwich. Other customer favorites are the French Dip and Italian Beef.
The business will start out with carry-out and delivery and grow into a full-service restaurant as business demands. Hurlbutt says that with 20 to 30 minutes notice at lunchtime, a pizza or sandwich can be delivered. He serves the St. Joseph, Benton Harbor and Stevensville area.
Hurlbutt turned to the Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance for help in getting the business open.
“Brad was determined to make Ramona Bells a success," says Dubelsa Mata-Garcia, Business Developer at WBC. "Because of his strong background in the foodservice industry, he understood the challenges that opening a restaurant can pose. It is always rewarding to work with clients who are able to transform their aspirations into a business."
Ramona Bells at 2809 Niles Ave., in St. Joseph, is open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10:30 am to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and closed on Sundays. For more information about Ramona Bells Pizzeria, call (269) 982.7777.
Sources: Brad Hurlbutt, Ramona Bells Pizzeria; Susan Cox, Cornerstone Alliance
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