Steven Warren is the owner of The Maxx Pizza Factory in Springfield at First and Main streets.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
“I drew the name from the original tenant, Maxwell Barbecue, from when the building was built in 1929. The building was designated as an historical landmark in 1993 when it was restored to become the Parkview Cafe. We re-tooled the kitchen for the new menu.”
DID HE BUY THE PLACE FROM THE CAFE OWNERS?
“We’re leasing. Jim Goodwin and Sherman Hester have leased the cafe to several people. We wanted to do something different by broadening our hours into the evening. I feel the area is ready for that with downtown living becoming popular again.” Maxx’s Pizza Factory is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Pizza, pasta, submarine sandwiches and chicken wings. “We use a stone-deck oven. It’s not the quickest but it’s the best. It gives a crisp texture on the outside. We also have a more upscale menu for special events like Valentine’s Day.”
WHO ARE HIS ASSOCIATES?
“I own the restaurant with my wife Cheryl and my business partner, Richard Fegeley.”
WHY SELECT THIS SITE?
“Because of the historical significance of the building, parking and its proximity to downtown and Springfield. Lately, more attention has been drawn to the area and Main Street is being renovated. With the restoration of homes in Springfield, downtown lofts, 11 E. Forsyth, Berkman Plaza and other developments, we were looking for places where our niche was not being satisfied. This place has a favorable lease.”
WHAT’S THE
COMPETITION LIKE?
“In the downtown area, there’s Rock & Roll Pizza and all the cafes downtown. Joseph’s Italian is 60 blocks north, but people still drive there. There’s enough of us down here. In this area, the hub is between Fifth and Eighth streets but it’s just a matter of people knowing we’re here. Plus, as more entertainment and living options come in, this will become a destination spot.”
HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
“I married into the trade. My brother-in-law is a franchisee for McDonald’s. Another of my wife’s brothers had a Dairy Queen and yet another owned a Japanese sushi bar.”
WHY PIZZA?
“I did it during college and fell in love with it. I joined the business ranks for a while but I didn’t like it so I went back into the trade. I worked for AT&T, then AOL. I hated sitting behind a desk.”
HIS EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Warren received a bachelor’s degree in computer and information sciences from the University of North Florida.
HOW’S BUSINESS?
“Sales have gotten progressively better. Each month is better than the one before. The holidays were rough, but we anticipated that. So many people downtown take time off.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS?
“I worked at a pizza place called Pudgie’s when I was 14 years old. They closed and then I worked at McDonald’s for 10 years. I wanted more versatile hours so I went to work for Domino’s. They sent me to supervise the Orlando office. I didn’t want a franchise, so I came back here to open this place. My wife and kids were homesick.”
WHAT DOES HE LIKE ABOUT IT?
“The speed, the thrill of it. It can be boring one minute and crazy the next. Each day is a different battle to get things done. It’s like an adrenaline rush without jumping off a cliff.”
HOW MANY ARE ON STAFF?
“A total of seven, that includes the wait staff, delivery drivers, cooks and management.”
THE DELIVERY ROUTE?
“Historic Springfield, downtown and Shands. We satisfy a lot of demographics with the Springfield residents and the professional, downtown lunch crowd. Lunch is what keeps us in business.”
HIS LONG-TERM GOAL?
“To have more locations. I feel the market is maturing to where people have more discerning tastes. I think we’ll see big chains slipping and the rise of more independent restaurants. The challenge is predicting sales trends. You hope for the best and react from there.”
HIS BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?
“Work hard, play hard.”
ANY HOBBIES?
“Model trains and computers in general — taking them apart, putting them together, playing games.” He also enjoys vacationing in Lake Tahoe, reading fantasy/science-fiction novels and catching his favorite flick, “Arthur.”
WHAT IS YOUR PET PEEVE?
“Vendors who over-promise and under-deliver.”
— by Monica Chamness