Jim and Minnie Jones opened JJ’s Pizza in Lewisport in 1992. They passed the business along to their daughter and son-in-law Joann and Bob Shyver, who recently shifted ownership to Lewisport natives Amber and Ben Snyder.
The Shyvers assumed ownership in 2011, pouring many long hours into the business and expanding to open the Thruston location near the entrance of Yellow Creek Park.
“Jim and Minnie laid the foundation while Joann and Bob paved the way, and now it’s time for the next generation of owners,” Amber Snyder said. “With the help of our children, Joann and Bob’s grandchildren, and Jim and Minnie’s great-grandchildren, we are full of new ideas and pizzas to keep you on your toes.”
The Snyders have three boys: Korbin, Owen, and Zephyr.
“The boys are our reason for everything – they may want to take JJ’s even further than we can,” she said. “JJ’s has been a staple for over 30 years. That’s saying something. The food is already good, so we can only add to it or put our little spin on something.”
Snyder said she has always been strong at bringing people together and entertaining. Their goal is to add seating at each location and host events and entertainment.
With both locations now in wet precincts, they also hope to obtain an alcohol license and begin serving drinks soon.
“It’s exciting taking over a well-established restaurant,” Snyder said. “We’ve got all kinds of ideas being tossed around, so the options are endless. We have been shown nothing but love by our family, friends, and community.”
The seamless transition should be complete by January 2025. Snyder said she knows the restaurant will bring long hours and a lot of trial and error but that she and her family are up to the challenge.
“We are eager and looking forward to the switch,” she said. “For now, we are getting in there and learning every element of the business to ensure a smooth transition.”
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