Larry Owen is the owner of PeezO’s Pizza, one of Owensboro’s favorite local restaurants. Laren, a junior at Apollo High School, is a big help at her dad’s restaurant.
Why did you want to open PeezO’s?
After traveling a lot with my job and trying really good pizza at a lot of different places, I knew that I wanted to bring a new style of pizza to Owensboro. It’s always been in the back of my mind to open a pizza restaurant, but after being laid off during COVID I had a lot of free time to really explore my ideas. I purchased a small pizza oven from a gas station and began to experiment in my spare time.
How has Owensboro embraced PeezO’s?
Owensboro has been great to us. We have people from all over the city come to our restaurant to try us out. We had to delay opening our dine-in service and our customers continued to support us through our carry out service.
How is your family a part of your business?
My family has been a major support to me with opening PeezO’s. Whether they have worked here, ran errands, or provided encouraging feedback, they have been with me every step of the way and I’m extremely appreciative of that.
What do you want to teach your daughter by owning a business?
I am teaching her that anything is possible with a dream and a good work ethic. Success is not easy, but it is obtainable if you are committed to working hard to accomplish your goals.
Does she want to carry on your legacy?
You would have to ask her that, but I want her to attend college and choose whatever career is best for her. If that happens to be running the business I will definitely be happy with that.
What is your best piece of parenting advice?
For me it would be don’t rush to make your teens into adults. Give them the time and the space to experience life and figure out their path. I also believe you have to have an open line of communication.