A SLICE ABOVE: 123 PIZZA’S FRESH FOCUS ELEVATES PIES
There is no substitute for quality, no matter what business you own.
That’s why Manish Shamnani and Kruti Patel insist on using only fresh ingredients when preparing their food every day.
“Everything we make here is freshly made from scratch,” says Shamnani. “We don’t skimp on quality at all. That’s why people are loving our pizza so much.”
The pair opened their little slice of heaven last spring and couldn’t happier with the reception from customers and neighbours in the Mayfair/Caswell Hill area.
Shamnani says they are often told people are enamoured with their pizza crust.
“We make it fresh every day. People tell us they love the crust, it’s absolutely crispy and delicious.”
Customers welcome the fact they don’t skimp on the cheese, he adds.
“They just love how tasty and gooey our cheese is on our pizzas.”
If you like the pizza sauce, don’t ask what makes it so special. Neither Patel nor Shamnani will give an honest answer. It’s a closely guarded secret, they laugh.
Lovers of the pie can find anything they desire here, but Patel says their mammoth topping pizza, named The Feast, is probably their bestseller. Ordered in any size, it’s covered with pepperoni, bacon, ham, salami, olives, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. Of course, just ask if you want a little more or a little less of the toppings.
One reason their pizzas are a cut above is their use of a traditional stone oven, which makes an authentic pizza experience. Their large pizza oven can cook up to 12 medium pies at one time.
Patel and Shamnani say they love their location and are pleased they selected 33rd Street, as foot traffic appears to be increasing.
Their good name is spreading far and wide; they have already had customers from outlying areas of the city such as Martensville, Warman and Vanscoy.
“We even had someone from Rosetown come in and pick up a pizza,” Patel says.
123 Pizza Owners: Manish Shamnani, Kruti Patel Address: 511 33rd Street West Phone: 306-974-1111 Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Website: www.123pizza.ca Check out the Facebook page
STARZ LASER
With 17 years of cosmetic laser experience under her belt, April Sitarz is ready to stand alone.
She worked for years under the tutelage of Dr. David Will, a wellknown pioneer in the industry in Western Canada.
“It really gives me the confidence in what I’m doing, knowing that I had learned so much from Dr. Will,” says Sitarz, who opened her door in February. “It does take courage to start out on your own, but I know what I’m doing and I really want to help people.”
Her clinic will focus mainly on things like laser hair removal and laser skin rejuvenation.
Sitarz says growth in technology in the last couple of decades has led to a growth in public acceptance of what laser treatments can provide.
“Now, there is minimal discomfort and no downtime needed to recuperate.”
For instance, laser skin tightening usually requires four to six treatments at 20 minutes each.
“People can just pop in over their lunch hour for a treatment,” she says.
She is also able to help people with sun damage or age spots.
Because of her experience, she’s had many certifications that have given her the confidence to start her own business.
“But there is always something new to learn. That’s what makes this field so interesting,” she says.
Sitarz encourages people who want to learn more or talk about what they would like to stop in for a visit to discuss the available options.
“I’m doing what’s best for you and what’s safe for you,” she says. “I’m not one who is going to push the limits.”
Starz Laser Owner: April Sitarz Address: 227B Pinehouse Drive Phone: 306-992-2327 call for an appointment Website: vagaro.com/starzlaser
John Grainger is a Saskatoon-based freelance writer. If you have started, expanded or moved a small business in Saskatoon within the last few months, contact him at grain@ sasktel.net. Home-based and temporary businesses, as well as those without physical locations, will not be considered for publication.