The new pizza place in town: Maka Mia Pizza open for business

Published 11:30 am Friday, November 3, 2023

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Pizza might be a top delicacy in New York and Chicago.

However, Winchester is looking to make a splash.

Måka Mia on Broadway had an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce last week at its location inside Bargains on Broadway at 26 E. Broadway Street.

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“I tell people all the time [that] I can brag on the product,” said Mike Williams, Owner and Operations Manager. “This company has developed it over the years and they’ve got it right.”

Måka Mia Pizza has a rich history.

According to its official website, https://makamia.com/about-us/, it all began in 2006 when an independent grocery store owner with an interest in attracting customers and generating more sales came up with an idea for using existing deli facilities and staff to create an alternative, exciting experience.

After months of careful planning, branding and marketing, the idea came to fruition and has succeeded with 40 locations in five states and the company becoming fully registered and trademarked.

“From full color counter fronts and outdoor signage to professionally designed digital menus and online ordering, the Måka Mia [t]eam created a package ready to deliver big results in a few short set-up days,” acknowledged its website.

Concerning Winchester, Williams was first approached with the idea by Bargains on Broadway owner Robert Pritchett.

Before too long, they were able to accommodate the space indoors.

While its time present has been short thus far, Williams added that its space in town makes for a convenient opportunity.

“We took a look at [different] areas of town. There really is a lack of quality eating spaces on this side of town,” he said. “That’s what we’re hearing from our customers. They’re thanking us for coming [to] this side of town. My wife and I talked it over, we got with Rob, and we started a pizza joint.”

As expected, different flavors of pizza are available.

Specialty editions include veggie, barbecue bacon chicken, meat toppers and supreme.

In addition to personal and large sizes, shoppers can opt for a 10-inch cauliflower thin crust pizza, and select from a variety of toppings, including onions, ham, banana peppers, green peppers, jalapeños, mushrooms and more.

Yet, that’s not all.

The menu offers cheesy bread sticks, hoagies, chicken wings with different sauces, pasta bowls, pretzel bites and even an authentic Italian sub sandwich.

At last Thursday’s ceremony, which coincided with the Winchester Clark County Chamber of Commerce’s Local Government Day, staff from the restaurant were joined by members of the Commerce’s Leadership Winchester Program, plus luminaries such as Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, City Commissioner Kenny Book, George Rogers Clark High School Principal Luke Toy and athletic director Terry Yeast and Partners in Education executive director Greg Yates.

While future hopes include opening stores in neighboring counties, Williams insists on customer service being a priority for Winchester.

“I believe that customer service is grossly lacking in our society, and I plan on bringing customer service back to the service industry as far as we’re concerned,” he said.