Celebrating
50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE! FOR 50 YEARS EDMONTONIANS HAVE BEEN LOVING THE AUTHENTICITY OF ROYAL PIZZA By Nerissa McNaughton with photos by Rebecca Lippiatt
Mike Hanley
O
ne cannot hear the words “Royal Pizza” without immediately remembering that catchy jingle, “still making it great!” But how many of us know the story behind the brand? Royal was one of the early purveyors of pizza in Edmonton and 50 years on, we still can’t get enough. Here’s how it all began. In 1969 Gus Pappas and John Pontikes opened the first Royal Pizza in old Strathcona. One of just a handful of pizza restaurants in the city at that time, the gentlemen quickly distinguished their restaurant by piling their pies with plenty of cheese and toppings. The restaurant quickly became an Edmonton favourite, especially by the University of Alberta and the Park Hotel. By the time Mike and Cynthia Hanley bought the brand in 1995, it had a loyal and dedicated following – but Gus and John weren’t willing to sell to just anyone. Before the deal was complete, Mike had to prove he was committed to the same quality, traditions and customer service as the founders.
ROYAL PIZZA • 50 YEARS
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