J.R. Escobar - Pizzeria Deville

J.R. shares his journey in the restaurant industry, the story behind Pizzeria DeVille, and the importance of team building and community support. Listeners get a taste of the pizzeria’s unique menu, local partnerships, and lively events. The conversation highlights the value of customer feedback, the challenges of running a local business, and the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Lake County’s food scene truly special.

Discovering Lake County Newsletter: Pizzeria DeVille Edition

Hey there, Lake County friends!

I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of "Discovering Lake County" with you. This time, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jr., the passionate owner of Pizzeria DeVille, nestled in the cozy basement of the Alamo. We had an incredible conversation about his journey in the restaurant industry, the vibrant food scene in Libertyville, and the heartwarming community support that keeps Pizzeria DeVille thriving.

Here are some highlights and key takeaways from our conversation:

1. The Heart of Pizzeria DeVille:
Team Building:** Jr. emphasizes that the success of any restaurant hinges on its team. He learned early on that nurturing his staff leads to a better guest experience.
Community Support:** Libertyville has embraced Pizzeria DeVille wholeheartedly, and Jr. is grateful for the local love and support.

2. Jr.'s Journey:
From Pizza Hut to Pizzeria DeVille:** Jr. started in the pizza industry at 19 and spent 23 years with Pizza Hut. After a stint with Crumble Cookies, he seized the opportunity to take over Pizzeria DeVille.
A Fan Turned Owner:** Jr. was a regular customer at Pizzeria DeVille before taking over. When he learned it was closing, he jumped at the chance to keep the beloved pizzeria alive.

3. Unique Offerings:
Specialty Pizzas:** With over 50 different pizzas, including the customer-favorite "Ma Pie" and the "Pepperoni Duet," there’s something for everyone.
Food Truck Adventures:** Jr. expanded Pizzeria DeVille’s reach with a food truck, featuring a wood-fired oven, bringing their delicious pizzas to local festivals and events.

4. Community Engagement:
Local Collaborations:** Pizzeria DeVille partners with local breweries, creating a vibrant dining experience. Jr. loves the community connections and the joy of serving at local events.
Events and Nightlife:** From trivia nights to bingo, Pizzeria DeVille is becoming a local hotspot for fun and entertainment.

5. Personal Touch:
Balancing Act:** Jr. candidly shares the challenges of balancing the restaurant and food truck, but his passion and dedication shine through.
Family and Community:** Jr. talks about his deep roots in Lake County and his love for the community, particularly Grayslake and Gages Lake.

6. Lessons Learned:
Resilience:** Jr. reflects on the importance of resilience and how setbacks can lead to new opportunities.
Customer Feedback:** He values customer reviews and sees them as opportunities to improve and reconnect with patrons.

7. Future Aspirations:
Expansion Plans:** Jr. hopes to bring Pizzeria DeVille’s unique offerings to other communities, sharing their delicious wood-fired and Detroit-style pizzas with more people.

I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and entice you to listen to the full episode. Jr.’s story is a testament to the power of community, passion, and resilience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Pizzeria DeVille is a must-visit spot in Libertyville.

Thank you for being part of our Lake County community. Your support means the world to us. Don’t forget to subscribe to "Discovering Lake County" for more inspiring stories and local insights.

Stay kind, stay curious, and keep exploring!

W