The Peru Gazette

Nick Weaver, socially distanced, ready to put on his mask and start working.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Nick Weaver, became the new owner of The Little Pizza Shop in January 2020. Educated as a computer programmer and machinist, Weaver was working out of state until a little over a year ago. Not happy with his job, he returned to his hometown to try something new.

What started as a temporary job for the Little Pizza Shop’s previous operators Amy and Todd Clowney, evolved into a business opportunity. After working for the Clowneys for about a year and being promoted to assistant manager, Amy Clowney asked Nick if he was interested in buying the business. Fourteen months later, Nick says, “This is probably the best thing I’ve ever done. I love the atmosphere and the job.”

Nick Weaver should be well-known to many Peru residents. A 2001 graduate of Peru High School, Nick was a state heavyweight wrestling champion and a football team member. He’s still an imposing man.

Less than 90 days after taking over the business, the COVID-19 pandemic presented immediate challenges. While dine-in restaurants closed or reduced patron capacity, take-out-only restaurants faced unexpected demand. Weaver had to increase his staff from four to ten while maintaining product quality. Business boomed until Thanksgiving when local COVID numbers increased. At present, Weaver describes the business as up and down. One day the phone rings off the hook, while the next day, things are quiet. Like almost all business operators, he’s also encountered rising costs forcing him to increase some prices. The price he pays for chicken wings, for example, has tripled.

Weaver continues to offer The Little Pizza Shop’s longtime favorites. Its chicken wings and famous 18″ x 25″ sheet pan pizza that feeds 8 to 12 adults have always been great sellers. Nick has made a few changes. He commented, “I’ve put several pasta items on the menu.” Pasta includes spaghetti with meatballs, Fettuccine Alfredo, stuffed shells, and more. Chicken and eggplant parmigiana are also on the shop’s extensive menu.

The Little Pizza Shop is open Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Delivery ends 30-minutes before closing—Call 518-643-0552 to order. It’s located at 618 Lapham Mills Rd., Peru, NY 12972.