Business & Tech
D's Family Pizza Makes a Home in St. Michael-Albertville
Brooklyn Park's loss is St. Michael-Albertville's gain, as former business owners have moved their pizza operations here.
There’s a new pizza place in town and this one is different. D’s Family Pizza in Albertville opened last Monday and have already been a hit.
“We had a full house Thursday night already.” Chris Barrett told Patch.
The family run, all homemade pizza restaurant is owned by three siblings, Barrett of Maple Grove, Kathy Draeger of Albertville and Scott Draeger of Brooklyn Park.
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It's located just off County Road 19, on Kyler Avenue, in the same business center as Finken Water and Patti J's.
The three had owned and run Tasty Pizza in Brooklyn Park together for nearly 25 years before selling the business in 1997. When their former customer and owner of the space they are in now called and asked them to open up shop in Albertville, they couldn’t turn it down.
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“There was no apprehension.” Scott shared while chopping fresh veggies for the evenings pizzas. “We’ve done it before.”
“We’re just so used to working together that it’s no big deal.” Kathy said. “At one point everyone, including our parents and two siblings not involved in this restaurant, were all involved with the pizza and restaurant business.”
The three siblings children are involved as well. “My son’s too young to work, but he loves to come and help.” Kathy shared about her 9-year-old. “But Scott and Chris’ kids are older, so they all work with us.”
While the restaurant is a pizza restaurant, they offer an entire menu with non-pizza items. Sandwiches, chicken tenders and fries along with a kids menu offer more options for those looking for something besides pizza.
When asked how D’s Family Pizza differentiates from other pizza places, there was not a moment's hesitation when Kathy said; “We’re a family business. We serve all homemade. And we’re people, people. By the end of your first visit, we know you.”
D’s Family Pizza currently offers seating for close to 20 but hopes to expand in their current location down the road. “We previously had seating for 100.” Barrett said.
“We’d also like to get involved in the community and help where we can with fundraising and other things.” Kathy said.
