“Quick and inexpensive, that’s how we do it,” said Joel Harn, owner of Big Pete’s Pizzeria. “Everybody thinks that it has to be a gimmick, but after they try us they’re usually pleasantly surprised.”
Part of a Georgia-based chain, Harn said he expects Big Pete’s to establish a healthy reputation locally.
“We’ve traditionally been pretty successful in the different downtown districts because people are always on the go, but they also want something good to eat,” he said. “We expect much of the same here.”
Boasting lunch specials under $3, Harn said Big Pete’s will also be open for dinner, offering other specialties, including wings and sandwiches.
“We’re really excited to be here,” he said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, but we can’t wait to feed Jacksonville. We promise you won’t leave hungry.”
So who’s Big Pete?
“Big Pete? That’s my wife,” he said. “Her full name is Jennifer Penelope and, after a while the name just took.”