For this month’s spotlight, Flagstaff Business News spoke with Ann Gunty, co-founder of Scott’s Chicago Pizza and wife of Scott Gunty. Besides sharing responsibility for the business, Scott and Ann have four children together, ages 10, 12, 12 and 19. Ann has a background in marketing and PR and handles marketing and fundraising for the restaurant.
1) How long has Scott’s Pizza been open?
Scott’s Chicago Pizza opened in March 2008 in the Whistle Stop convenience mart on west Route 66 and Railroad Springs. We operated as take out/delivery and catering from that location until April 2011 when we opened the restaurant and bar downtown.
2) Why did you choose pizza?
Scott grew up in Chicago eating in local south side pizzerias. He has always missed the traditional Chicago-style deep dish and thin crust pizzas and felt he could recreate his favorites here in Flagstaff.
3) How does Scott like being downtown in your current location?
He loves it! Being downtown has given us more exposure and introduced new customers to Chicago pizza. It’s so exciting to be a part of the vibrant downtown Flagstaff community.
4) Please tell me a bit about your professional history – have you owned other businesses?
Scott worked for Marriott International Corp. for 16 years, managing Residence Inns and Courtyard hotels. He spent five years as the GM of the Residence Inn here in Flagstaff. But Scott’s dream has always been to open a restaurant and to cook full time.. The opportunity to do pizza came up and it was a perfect fit.
5) What do you enjoy about owning & running a pizzeria?
Scott has so much pride in owning his own business and especially loves interacting with customers – both his many loyal local regulars and the interesting variety of people passing through Flagstaff. He enjoys being a part of the exciting downtown Flagstaff community. Most of all though, Scott loves to hear how many people get excited to have a traditional taste of Chicago – those who are from Chicago and miss it, as well as those who are new to Chicago pizza but fall in love right away!
To learn more about Scott’s Chicago Pizza, visit http://scottschicagopizza.com/