Davises continue Medical Lake Pizza Factory tradition

Although the Medical Lake Pizza Factory, located at 123 S. Broad St. changed ownership over the summer, residents might have noticed little change.

Ami Davis, who owns the restaurant with her husband Aaron, purchased the Pizza Factory from Joe and Sandy O'Hagan in July. Aside from continuing to serve pizza, pasta and salad bar, as well as catering, Davis said they wanted to stick with the restaurant's family atmosphere.

"That's Pizza Factory's mantra, if you will," Davis said.

Davis moved to Washington in 1992 and lived in different cities, though she has always enjoyed the Spokane area. Aaron Davis, who is from Texas, moved to Washington after finishing his tour with the military. Davis, who is also a veteran, met Aaron in 2009 and married him this year. Davis said they moved to Medical Lake to be closer to Aaron's daughters, who live in the Tri-Cities.

"There weren't a lot of business opportunities there and Aaron asked 'let's try Medical Lake,'" Davis said.

The Davises were in Australia, working for a construction company when they learned Pizza Factory was for sale.

"We got pictures and a visual tour through Skype and all the information but we hadn't stepped foot in the restaurant until we had already purchased it," Davis said.

Although O'Hagans no longer own the restaurant, Davis said the former owners helped she and Aaron with strategies on running the restaurant.

"They've been doing this for 20 years and they are a tremendous resource," Davis said. "You can't buy the experience, help and support they provide."

Davis said her husband works at the restaurant from Tuesday to Saturday while she helps with the fundraising side. They have 10 employees.

We had a few who stayed on with us when we bought the restaurant and we hired a few more as time went on," Davis said. "When we want to do something they always jump on board. We have a good crew."

There have been some cosmetic changes to the restaurant such as painting and upgrading equipment. Davis said she is looking for feedback from the community.

"We're happy to have suggestions," Davis said. "People might have some ideas that we haven't thought of."

While local organizations like the Kiwanis Club, and the Lions Club gather at the restaurant, Davis would like the Pizza Factory to be a place where middle or high school students can come to study, or hang out in the afternoon or evening.

"If we can create a cool place for them to hang out, then what better way to keep them out of trouble?" Davis said.

The Pizza Factory hosted a catering with the Medical Lake high school cross-country team at Lakeland Village in October. They also helped sponsor the Medical Lake Booster Club's Grapes and Hops Fundraiser and school craft fair in November. Davis is hoping to get more involved with the community.

"Of course we want to make money, but it's not all about the dollar," Davis said. "We want to help sponsor the community in any way we can."

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].