No Matter How You Slice It: Ted’s Pizza Celebrates 50 Years of Cheesy Goodness
Menomonie pizzeria celebrates half a century of their fan-favorite doughs, sauces, and meatballs
Pizza nowadays looks a little different than it did 50 years ago at Ted’s Pizza in Menomonie, but their signature dough, sauces, and meatballs hasn’t changed a bit. Now including fresh toppings like gyro meat, roasted tomatoes, and (the frequently controversial) pineapple, pizzas at Ted’s are just as loveable now as they were when the business opened in the 1970s. Now celebrating their 50th anniversary, the owners of Ted’s Pizza are hoping for another 50 years of drool-worthy, delicious pizza.
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Menomonie is a wonderful community to work, live, and play.
Kim gounaikis
owner of ted's pizza
“Menomonie is a wonderful community to work, live, and play,” said owner Kim Gounaikis. “We are so blessed by their continued support, especially through these last several months.”
In January, this second-generation-owned pizza and sandwich shop won a $10,000 renovation grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., which they used to replace all the brick on the front of their building and to purchase a new awning. They also updated the kitchen and dining room with new countertops, booths, and chairs, as well as a fresh coat of paint and new artwork. History buffs might enjoy a new history wall to honor Ted Haspais – the original owner – and George Gounaikis, who purchased the restaurant (145 Main St.) with the intention to pass it down to his children.
Though pizza changes just a little bit, the love of Ted’s grows with each generation, Gounaikis said, which is one of the many reasons they hope to pass the restaurant down to her son, Zach, and daughter, Lexi.
COVID-19 slowed the makeover only a little, but the owners did have the advantage of a closed dining room. Now, they’re excited to continue slicing up good eats for another 50 years.
“We hope that our renovation will have a rippling effect on other building owners so we can have a downtown that everyone is proud of,” Gounaikis said.
If all this talk of pizza has made you hungry, Gounaikis recommends checking out The Mama Mia (their most popular pizza!) or to go bold and try The Zeus, the Greek Special, or the House Special – or any of their delicious pizzas!
Check out more at www.tedspizzapie.com.
