Meet the Owners

  • Next Door Pizza

    Anne Gruber

  • Next Door Pizza

    JaNel Anderson

  • The Pizza Place

    Justin Anderson

  • The Pizza Place

    Jason Anderson

The History of Next Door Pizza

Next Door Pizza officially opened in June of 1987 by owners Dick and Kaye Fries. The original oven for Next Door came from Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Dick and Matt went to Minnesota to pick it up. Mike, Dick and Kaye’s son-in-law, had worked in the pizza business, so he came down and trained everyone.

Sheila Ness started working there in October of 1988. Sheila decided to purchase the Pizza Place in January of 1991. Sheila says, “I just loved meeting all the people and making some good friends through the customers and employees.” Sheila ran Next Door Pizza until 2018.

Back in 1989 TJ’s dad purchased the Main Bar in Scranton. He was also offered an opportunity to purchase Next Door Pizza, but TJ’s dad decided to decline the offer. Owning Next Door Pizza was always something TJ had dreamed to do. In October of 2018, TJ Honeyman purchased Next Door Pizza. TJ also opened a second location in Bowman in December of 2019, but closed in May of 2021. TJ’s favorite memories included serving locals and visitors alike and keeping a known tradition alive and well in a small town. He loved providing jobs and support to the community. Next Door Pizza also took to the roads serving 1000’s of pizzas through their Bring N’ Bake concept and refrigerated trailer. TJ says, “There are too many good memories to mention, but who could forget the pandemic?! It was such a different time and changed the food industry as we knew it, forever.”

So, how long does it normally take for thoughts to become reality?  Most people would say thoughts are related to dreams and many dreams never come true.  Well for 5 A’s, thoughts became reality in less than 3 months. 

In late-March 2023, Justin and TJ both attended a national bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada.  The duo had plenty of conversations throughout the tournament, but ultimately, the most significant was a detailed conversation about TJ’s decision to sell Next Door Pizza.

Justin’s first call about an opportunity to purchase Next Door Pizza was to his twin brother, Jason.  Justin was curious what Jason thought of the idea.  Jason, hesitant at first, asked him to get some facts and figures from TJ and he would think about it.  TJ promptly provided Justin and Jason detailed business data, and after a careful review, the first 2 A's were in! In early-April they pushed ahead with more serious inquiries.

Justin and Jason next discussed the investment opportunity with their siblings and parents.  JaNel (Nelly) and JaNae both expressed interest to make an investment and help out when needed.  So, with more investors and a better idea of what was needed financially, they pressed on.  Shortly after the family talk, JaNae decided that due to her great distance away, she would perhaps not be much help.  Nelly made 3 A's.

Justin then spoke with close family friend Anne, who had recently moved back home.  Anne’s financial and education background would become a vital part if we were all to make this endeavor work.  After a review of the business data, she too was very interested and became the 4th A.

3 Andersons and 1 Anne – but that is only 4 A’s in the story.  The 5th A is for the spouses! Devin (Jason) and Shy (Nelly) are also key components of this adventure.

On April 27, 2023 we formed 5 A’s Next Door Pizza LLC and on June 1st the 5 A’s purchase of Next Door Pizza became reality with:

·      Justin Anderson, Partner and Hype man

·      Jason Anderson, Managing Partner

·      Anne Gruber, Primary Operations Partner

·      JaNel Anderson, Partner

·      Devin Maychrzak and Shy Anderson, The Spouses (Some may say…the most important component!)

Then the fun began! What we initially thought would be a few quick tasks, suddenly morphed into a just short of 2-month renovation and business reset.  Key renovations include removal of the half wall and more space for the kitchen.  We also took that time to analyze the menu and adjusted prices based on current food costs.

We all grew up in Scranton and each have fond memories of time spent at Next Door Pizza throughout the years.  Like many other Scranton residents, we also all more often than not refer to the restaurant as The Pizza Place.  Both of these things were on the fore front of our minds while we developed our business plan.

On July 31st, 2023 the next chapter in the Legacy of Next Door Pizza officially began when our little slice of home – The Pizza Place – opened for business.  We proudly create Next Door Pizza and strive to ensure each batch of dough we make lives up to the Next Door Pizza name and taste.

You will see many familiar faces when you visit 5 A’s Next Door Pizza.  Most of the staff has worked here for years and everyone takes tremendous pride in what they do.  They strive to provide exceptional service and provide an enjoyable experience for each customer.

When we think of the future of Next Door Pizza and the Pizza Place, we envision a place where people to want to gather and meet up.  A place families – parents, grandparents, kids, and friends – want to spend time.  A place people come after a school event.  A place to watch your favorite sports team win the big game.

Join us as we embark on this exciting new adventure! We hope to see you very soon at The Pizza Place for some delicious Next Door Pizza.