02/26/2022
Come see us before our last day! We will be closing for business Wednesday, March 2nd at 7pm.
This is Gabe the new and soon to be former owner of Lino’s Pizza. Over these last two years I have experienced so many emotions while running, living in, caring for, and protecting this business. It is no secret that I opened a mere seven weeks before the pandemic forced the United States in to closure. Then, it is also no secret that I only got seven weeks of a true income. Aside from that, I have done nothing but fight endlessly to keep the doors open. From draining bank accounts, maxing out credit cards, and taking out multiple loans, I have truly tried it all. But sadly, the pandemic gained the upper hand. With a struggling economy, increasing food costs, and a tough labor market, it felt like defeat from the beginning.
Aside from financial defeat, I feel like a winner in many different aspects. I met thousands of great people and connected on a personal level with many of you. Each interaction with a friend, mentor, customer or employee was a lesson learned and a memory kept. I have been supported with open hearts by so many over these last couple of years and I would not trade that for anything; not even to keep my doors open. My customers, employees, and supporters taught me some of the greatest lessons in life. I’d like to share a few things I have learned over the last two years:
Lesson one: “Excellence ought be Habit, not an act. Always keep your servants towel bigger than your ego” -Dr. Rick Rigsby. This was something that came in one ear and out the other for so long. Until I learned it by living it. When your ego becomes your burden, success is unattainable. Success is earned by serving excellence in every way that you can. Failures are okay if lessons are learned.
Lesson two: Help is offered to those who deserve it. It is easy to get caught up in your own independence, but we must acknowledge when we should ask for help. Likewise, we must accept it when offered and be able to learn and grow from it.
Lesson three: Find happiness in your new beginnings. While I do not want to stop serving up hearty slices to the people of St. Joseph, this is sadly the end of an era. I find happiness in all the memories and lessons at Lino’s. I know Lino’s holds just as big a piece of your heart as it does mine.
I would like to take a moment to thank my staff for all their hard work and determination. I appreciate each and everyone of you and am so thankful for your patience and willingness to grow with me through out this journey.
Your dedication to me and my business will stay with me throughout my future endeavors. I could not have asked for a better crew.
We hope to see you all over these next couple of days. We will be serving up slices until Wednesday at 7:00 pm or until supplies run out. Support your local businesses, they need you now more than ever. This breaks my heart, but I am so thankful for what Lino’s has brought me. Thank you for the opportunity St. Joseph.
~Gabe Palmer
