Page 10 � Union County GA Magazine � Summer 2022
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John Calverley is Currenly the Longest Continuous Owner of a Restaurant in
Union County - Longer Than Two Decades at ‘ Papa ’ s Pizza To-Go ’ on the Square
By Norm Cooper Editor , Union County GA Magazine
Beginning in 2000 , John Calverley went from working as an employee in the hotel and restaurant industry to owning his own business . That ownership is now at 22 years with a restaurant on the Square in Blairsville , making him the longest continuous owner of a restaurant in Union
John with the machine that cooks the pizza and other food Photos / NormC
County . John purchased Papa ' s Pizza To-Go in Blairsville in 2000 with a partner . A year later he changed to his current b u s i n e s s p a r t n e r , M o n a Golden , the owner of the Papa ' s Pizza To-Go in Murphy ,
North Carolina , just across the state border . “ With the merger we now had two locations in our portfolio ,” said John .
John ’ s Papa ’ s Pizza To-Go store is located on the Square in Blairsville , Georgia , in Seasons Inn Plaza with a full dining room for people to sit and enjoy a meal , or as the name suggest , customers can get it to go . John not only owns the business , he works it , from taking orders , to making pizza and other menu items , to mopping the floor . One reason for his success is producing a
quality product . “ Over these past 20 plus years not a lot has changed in the pizza business ,” said John . “ You need a great dough , a great sauce and 100 % real mozzarella cheese ! Toppings are important but the big three are essential .” While the product has not changed , getting some new equipment has , making the job easier and faster . However , there are some things that remain the same . “ We still do most things the old-fashioned way and you can taste the difference ,” said John , who enjoys his career . “ I get to get up every morning and go to work and do something that I enjoy to do . I don ' t dread going to work and I have fun with what I do . What ' s really nice is seeing the kids that I met when I first started here all grown up and bringing their kids to their childhood pizza place .” There are challenges . “ The cost of food and supplies are ever increasing .” said John . “ Trying to manage between food cost and labor cost and still offer a great food experience at a reasonable price is foremost on my mind .” A second reason for the business success is great customer service . “ It all boils down to the customers and the community . They are the driving factor for why I do what I do ,” said John . “ I have to say I have the best customers . Blairsville and Union County is a great place to live and operate a business .” When John started , he knew it was not
John Calverley , Owner
going to be an overnight stay . “ I buckled in for the long haul . It has been an experience I will never forget ,” said John . “ Thank You Blairsville and Union County for 20-plus years of continuing service to you .” John was introduced to Papa ' s Pizza To-Go by a friend in Hiawassee when he was working at Brasstown Valley Resort . He started helping his friend at their store as a second job . The Blairsville location became available for purchase . John closed the store down for approximately three months to do necessary repairs , clean up , new equipment , inventory purchasing and interviewing new associates . “ A lot was going on , a lot to accomplish ,” said John , “ but it was extremely exciting .” John has had one career his entire working life , the hotel and restaurant industry , starting at his hometown Chipley Motel in Chipley , Florida .
“ After school I started with the Marriott Corporation and did many different positions within the company as training is paramount to their business model ,” said John . “ Always wanting a little extra , I took on a part time job as a delivery driver for Domino ' s Pizza . As I was there I learned about each position in the business and that was the start of my pizza experience . After 15-plus years with the same company , it was time for a change and Papa ' s Pizza To-Go presented that opportunity .”
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