Where Enderby Comes to Eat Great Pizza
MEL'S PIZZA
19 Years in the Making
Where Enderby Comes to Eat Great Pizza
Pizza Has Always Been in Our Blood
My name is Melanie King and my love of pizza started long before I ever owned Mel's.
Born and raised in Quesnel, BC I started working at Frieda's Pizza from Grade 9 right through to graduation. It was there that I first fell in love with the craft - the dough, the sauces, the joy of feeding people something truly delicious.
Pizza runs deep in my family. My brother John also worked at Frieda's alongside me and later worked for our Mom who opened her very own pizza shop in Quesnel. The King family and pizza have always been inseparable - it is not just what we do, it is who we are.
Building a Foundation
In 1993 I moved to Fort McMurray where I spent 12 years building a life. While raising my son James and working in the oil fields I also put myself through school studying Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. That combination of grit, education and determination would prove invaluable in everything that came next.
On June 19th 2005 I packed up, followed my heart and chose a little gem of a town called Enderby, BC to call home. Nearly 22 years later I have never looked back and I never will.
The Sign That Changed Everything
On December 7th 2007 I bought my pizza shop here in Enderby and began building something I could truly call my own. Shortly after taking over I was putting up a new sign when I started peeling back the old layers on the awning. What I found stopped me in my tracks and gave me chills.
Hidden underneath was a Frieda's Pizza sign - the very same restaurant where I had worked as a teenager back in Quesnel. Out of every pizza shop in BC I had unknowingly chosen to take over a place that shared its roots with where my own journey had begun. Some things are simply meant to be.
Not long after opening a shy 14 year old girl named Brittany walked through our door looking for her first job. Years later we discovered that Frieda herself had been Brittany's babysitter when Brittany was just a little girl in Vernon. The connection was extraordinary - and Brittany has been part of our family ever since.
Raised in the Kitchen
When we arrived in Enderby in June 2005 James was just 12 years old. By the time Mel's Pizza opened its doors in December 2007 James was already part of the operation - learning every corner of the business from the ground up. He grew up in this kitchen and that foundation shows in everything he does today.
James went on to study Culinary Arts at UBC Kelowna and came straight back to Mel's Pizza bringing professional training and a deep love of the craft with him. Today James is the backbone of our operation - cooking, managing, driving and doing every job a true owner does. He also runs our concession at the Riverside Ball Diamonds during the season, further cementing the Mel's Pizza presence at the heart of the Enderby community.
Between Mel's business and accounting background and James's culinary training Mel's Pizza has a truly professional foundation that shows in every dish we serve.
Our Team - Rooted in Enderby
Every single member of our team lives right here in Enderby. Brittany has been with us for nearly 18 years - she started as a shy 14 year old, grew into a skilled pizza professional, and even opened her own successful pizza shop in Salmon Arm before coming back home to Mel's Pizza. Steve has been a dedicated part of our team for 14 years. My brother John came to lend a hand 8 years ago and thankfully never left. And our newest team members Gabby and Landon are carrying on a proud tradition of young people getting their start right here at Mel's Pizza.
In 2015 we were honoured to win Best Workplace in British Columbia voted by our peers - a recognition that reflects the dedication and heart that every member of this team brings to work every single day.
A Launching Pad for Life
Over 19 years one of our greatest rewards has been watching young people launch their careers and lives from right here at Mel's Pizza. Former staff members have gone on to become architects, physiotherapists, nurses, care aides and more. Many come back today with their own families - and that says everything about what this place means to the people who have been part of it.
Always Learning. Always Growing.
We have never stopped investing in our craft. Just months after opening in December 2007 we were already at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo in April 2008. We have attended multiple expos and completed professional training including the renowned Dough Doctor program as well as courses in menu building and marketing.
This fall Mel will be travelling to Italy to study authentic pasta making, Italian sauces, cheese and gluten free baking. When she returns Mel's Pizza will be expanding our menu with fresh handmade pasta and refined gluten free options made using authentic Italian techniques. We cannot wait to share what we bring home.
Proudly Local - Inside and Out
Great pizza starts with great ingredients and great ingredients start close to home. We source from local suppliers including Green Lion Farms on Hullcar Road, Rogers and Snowcap. When the Enderby Farmers Market runs on Friday mornings right here on Cliff Avenue you will find Mel there personally selecting fresh local produce for your pizza.
Every dollar spent at Mel's Pizza supports local farmers, local suppliers and local families. It stays right here in Enderby.
Giving Back - Because Enderby Gives to Us
Giving back to this community is something we take seriously. We proudly sponsor Enderby Minor Baseball, Enderby Minor Fastball, Hockey, the Lions Club and the Fantastic Society whose annual ball tournament raises money for local charities. At Christmas we support Santa's Anonymous and the Adopt a Grandparent Christmas Program. We also proudly support the Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn Teaching Centre Society Annual Golf Tournament and contribute to countless local events throughout the year.
Community is not something we do at Mel's Pizza. It is simply who we are.
Proudly serving Enderby since December 7th 2007.
Nearly 22 years in Enderby. 19 years of great pizza. Rooted in this community for good.
Where Enderby Comes to Eat Great Pizza.
605 Cliff Avenue, Enderby BC | 250-838-6710 | melspizza.ca