MOUNT VERON — Amy Owens lived near where Mount Vernon’s Donatos was being constructed 30 years ago, opening in Dec. 6, 1992.
Owens was in need of a job and the newly constructed pizza shop, at 221 W. High St., was in need of employees.
“I had to get out of the house,” Owens said with a chuckle.
In a year, Owens joined the management team. And since then, she’s seen several customers and employees come through the doors as she’s risent to the position of general manager.
Generations of families have continuously walked through the pizza shop’s doors.
This has been Owen’s favorite part of the job, she said.
“At first I wasn’t worried,” Owens said. “After a while it got scary. We were so busy and didn’t have enough help.”
This has been the story since COVID-19 set in.
“It’s so hard to get help right now,” she said.
Owen was also scared, she said, not knowing if she wasn’t going to have a job. There were stages throughout the early set of the pandemic where it was unknown if the store would be closed for half a day or for a full day.
“If it wasn’t for Mount Vernon and the community coming to us …,” Owens said. “I’m sure we’d close down.”
The store has featured several new menu items through the years. Most recently, sub sandwiches and wings are now part pot the menu, far different than 30 years ago.
The price of ingredients have risen, which in turn has adjusted prices to stay in line with competitors. The store has a remodeled interior and a new-carry out window, Owens said.
Donatos will continue to be Owens home for more years to come, she said, with plans of building her own house.
“This place paid for the place where I live now,” she said. “I’m comfortable. This is my home. I love it here.”
