Redefining Kruso's pizza business

By ANDREA FURLONG

New owners of Kruso's Pizza, Michael Hernandez, left, and Lindsay Axmear, make a pizza together at the restaurant's new location at Tanger Outlet Center Aug. 2. Kruso's Gourmet Pizza and Delivery moved to 106 Tanger Drive four weeks ago. Hernandez and Axmear purchased half-interest from previous operator Terry Bush, and began managing Kruso's July 24.

A neuroscience researcher and a budding real estate agent are managing Kruso’s Gourmet Pizza and Delivery, just weeks after the previous owner moved it from Fast Stop to the Tanger Outlet Mall.

Burg residents Lindsay Axmear, 25, and Michael Hernandez, 28, purchased half-interest in the business and took over operations July 24. Terry Bush maintains half-interest, but has given the reins over to the duo.

Prior to delving into the pizza business, Hernandez worked for the University of Iowa’s neuroscience research program, while Axmear trained for a job as a real estate agent. Around the time funding cuts left Hernandez without work, Kruso’s was put on the market, and Hernandez persuaded his girlfriend to put her career on hold and manage the business with him.

The two relied on skills they learned while working a few years at the Sundown for a few years to start their new venture.

In less than 14 days on the job, the two young entrepreneurs have developed a look and a vision for the business that until four weeks ago was simply a pizza delivery operation run out of a gas station. They’ve switched the color scheme from orange and green to red and gray and have set about to redefine Kruso’s to best serve its new location.

“We’d talked for a while about how this mall could really use a sit-down place where you could eat and maybe grab a beer or something like that — an oasis maybe for men whose wives are shopping or a place to bring the family,” Hernandez said.

In order to take Kruso’s from fast food to a restaurant, the couple plans to add beer and wine to the menu and eventually install televisions and larger booths.   

“We just want it to be a place where families can come in, eat, have fun and enjoy the food,” Axmear said.

Currently, the business serves Tanger shoppers and stragglers through a lunch buffet and daily specials.

While the duo plans to alter the atmosphere, they intend to keep all menu items and MSG-free ingredients, which Bush brought to the business. Bush’s five previous employees are also staying on.

In addition to pizza, Kruso’s serves broasted chicken, lasagna and bread sticks. Kruso’s will continue its delivery and carry-out services. Currently, it delivers to Conroy, North English, Parnell, Marengo and within Williamsburg.

Kruso’s is located at 106 Tanger Drive. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To contact Kruso’s, please call (319) 668-1333.

 

UPDATED August 5, 2009 10:49 AM