Minsky’s Pizza has stayed true to its slogan: “Gourmet, and going to stay that way.”
This year, the KC-based pizza chain is celebrating 50 years, a milestone that few restaurants reach. In fact, less than 35 percent of restaurants will make it to year 10, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and industry experts estimate that less than one percent of independently owned restaurants will make it to the half-century mark.
What’s the secret ingredient to Minsky’s Pizza’s longevity? It’s a three-part recipe, according to Gregg Johnson, founder and owner of Minsky’s: Persistence, changing with the times and excellent ingredients, says Johnnson, who opened his first Minsky’s in 1976 at South Plaza (5105 Main St., KCMO).
For example, a BBQ chicken pizza is common at pizzerias now, but Minsky’s had it first, Johnson says. “It started when our former next-door neighbor, Jake from Jake Edward’s BBQ, would come over. He always had extra chicken and suggested we put the BBQ chicken on a pizza. At first I thought that was kind of a dumb idea. But he kept bringing it over. So my help at Minsky’s started doing it, and they were telling me it was a pretty damn good pizza, and so I tried it and liked it. So we put it on the menu—that was in 1976.”
Minsky’s, named after a famous early 1900s New York City burlesque house, also offers an extensive gluten-free menu, proving once again that Johnson keeps innovating.
Johnson believes quality pizza comes from quality ingredients, and Minsky’s uses only high-quality mozzarella from Wisconsin’s Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy and Christoforo Colombo tomatoes grown in California. To retain generations of loyal customers, the pizza itself must stand out, Johnson says.
Minsky’s is celebrating its milestone with the Kansas City community, who have made it possible, Johnson says. In March, Minksy’s provided first responders across the metro with pizza and it’s holding $50k Double Give-Back Days to help fundraise for local charities. The restaurant is also introducing new specials throughout the year. Check out minskys.com to find a location near you.
