In 1990, entrepreneur, Denis Scrivanos started a small take out restaurant, with the part-time help of son, Nick, selling pizzas, pastas, and subs. It wasn’t long before his delicious recipes were discovered to be a hit, and demand grew drastically. Taking the plunge to go bigger in 1992, operations were moved to the restaurant we know and love today. By 1993, Denis and his son were at it full force, with word spreading fast about a pizza you couldn’t find anywhere else. Established mainly by word of mouth, Lancaster Pizzeria had become a staple in the community of Lancaster & surrounding towns. In 2002, Nick brought in his wife, Brenda, to help head operations of a true family restaurant. In 2009, they hired me and I quickly learned the ins and outs of the restaurant. Working along side the family, and soaking in as much advice from Denis and Nick, they were an inspiration like no other. The idea of being an entrepreneur became very appealing to me. 

Across from the restaurant was a bar, Berrigan’s Pub, and it had been closed for some time. With a partner, I decided that I was going to move on and reopen the bar, and with the blessing and encouragement from my employers I took a leap. Within a year I realized my failures, and cut ties from the bar in late 2010. I moved on, left for school, taking Hotel & Restaurant Management in Montreal. Shortly after I landed a job for a resto-bar chain as a manager. I worked this job, unhappy, for a long time, my passion and creativity was hindered by the regulations of a chain restaurant. In 2015, Nick, reached out to me on Facebook, letting me know his father was getting older and that they could use a hand. Without second thought, I gave my notice, and was back to my stomping grounds. Years passed, I was happy, seeing the faces of the people I grew up with, work was fun again. One day, Nick and family decided it was time to move on, and listed the restaurant for sale. I was interested, but having failed before, I wasn’t sure it was in my best interest. The thought bounced around in my head for quite some time. It wasn’t until they had a potential buyer that I decided to speak my mind and make my offer. Giving years of loyalty to the Scrivanos family, they made the decision to sell to me, teaching me everything I needed to know, and offering support even to this very day, to help me maintain the reputation they had built. With their help and guidance, and the support of the community, we were able to make the transition.

Thank you to those who helped me get here, you know who you are. Thank you to the Scrivanos family for the opportunity, my family and I will be forever grateful.

Thank you to Denis, for telling me all your stories every morning over coffee, teaching me that no matter how big the obstacle, there is always a way to move forward, and for believing in me enough to pass your life’s work onto me, I know your inspiring journey to get where you are now and I won’t let you down. 

Adam Kluver