Jamestown residents have a reason to celebrate as Jamestown Pizza King, LLC, a beloved Indiana tradition, reopens its doors on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. Located at 49 W Main St., this iconic pizzeria returns to the community with a fresh look, made possible by the Boone County Economic Development Corporation’s (Boone EDC) support through the 180 Makeover grant program.

The 180 Makeover grant provided crucial funding for extensive renovations, including upgrades to plumbing, HVAC systems, ventilation, and exterior painting. These updates addressed several structural challenges, such as the building’s lack of a main water source. Owner Michelle Standeford expressed her gratitude for the Boone EDC’s support, saying, “Bringing the Indiana tradition of a Pizza King back to Jamestown was the primary goal. Pizza King served Jamestown for over 20 years, fulfilling a great community need. Without Boone EDC and the 180 Makeover grant, this building would still be sitting partially complete and unable to serve the community.”

Shane Childress, Jamestown’s town council president, echoed the excitement and appreciation for this community revitalization effort. “Jamestown is thrilled to welcome another restaurant to serve our community and surrounding areas,” Childress said. “The Makeover 180 program has been instrumental in revitalizing our downtown, and it’s inspiring to see local businesses breathe new life into our historic buildings. We’re deeply grateful to Boone EDC and our Clerk-Treasurer for their commitment to guiding business owners through the grant process.”

The reopening of Jamestown Pizza King holds special significance for community members who fondly remember its previous location, and for local teens eager for nearby employment opportunities. “We are overwhelmed by the positive response and excitement to open, as well as the number of local teens who have applied for jobs,” Standeford shared. In alignment with its community values, Jamestown Pizza King will also serve as a second-chance employer, creating opportunities for those in recovery and those overcoming various life challenges.

Jessica Schwarz, Vice President of Economic Development at Boone EDC, noted the broader impact of projects like this on the local economy and community quality of life. “We are thrilled to support the revival of Pizza King in Jamestown,” she said. “This project aligns with our mission of fostering vibrant local economies through accessible, community-centered businesses.”

For updates on Jamestown Pizza King, follow them on Instagram at @JamestownPizzaKing and on Facebook at @PizzaKingOfJamestown.

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About READI 1.0

The 180 Makeover program that supported Jamestown Pizza King’s renovations is one of the many initiatives funded by the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 1.0). Launched in 2021 by Governor Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI promotes regional collaboration and strategic planning to attract and retain talent across Indiana. With a $500 million investment, READI is propelling 17 regions across Indiana, representing all 92 counties, toward a more prosperous future by creating opportunities and enhancing the state’s quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity.

Through partnerships like these, Indiana’s local economies, communities, and businesses are positioned for sustainable growth and improvement for generations to come.