In 2001, Mark Weber, owner of “Your” Pizza Shop, heard what he thought was good news.

Lowe’s Home Improvement Store was interested in taking over an abandoned Kash n’ Karry building adjacent to his pizza shop on Ulmerton and Ridge Road. This should bring more customers to him, he assumed.

Weber was correct, but what he hadn’t anticipated was the ensuing turmoil and the years that would pass before things improved. First, he would have to lose his business location and the $25,000 he had just invested in renovations, because Lowe’s wanted Kash n’ Karry and the adjoining building that he was located in.  

Weber was frustrated and angry. He spent six months looking for a new place. It was happenstance that brought him to Pinecrest Golf Course, where he inquired about the space above the Pro Shop. Serendipitously, the golf course was looking for someone to run its 19^th hole.  Even though Weber was begrudgingly moving, the location was perfect, with rolling vistas out the back window and views of the water at Taylor Park.

In the decade since, “Your” Pizza Shop has thrived, and Weber can admit that the move ultimately put him in a better spot. “We would have never survived without our customers,” he said. “They have been loyal to us for years and have kept us going.”

“Your” Pizza Shop has great pizza but is known for its wings and was nominated by Patch readers for best wings in Largo. The business, which is a small Ohio franchise, will have its 20-year anniversary in December.

In addition to Weber’s hard work, the franchise connection was invaluable in making the business successful. Weber had no restaurant experience before he opened “Your” Pizza Shop in 1992. The franchise mentored him along the way and supported his ideas, like developing amazing wings using their pressure fried chicken process.

Weber, a former scuba instructor, never imagined he would be two decades into being a restaurant owner.

But life has a way of always surprising you, just like how moving against your will may end up positive, or how an Ohio pizza shop can become one of Largo’s best wing spots.

If You Go

1200 8th Ave SW

727-581-1101, www.​yourpizzashop.​com

Sun - Thu; 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat; 11am - 11pm

Or order online for Delivery, or Take-out. at http://www.yourpizzashop.com/order.

What do you recommend at "Your" Pizza Shop? Post a comment below, or write a review on their Patch directory listing.

Stay connected with your community and get story updates by signing up for the Largo Patch email newsletter or by "liking" us on Facebook!