Amber Irvin started working at the Center Grove Pizza King as junior in high school. After graduation from Center Grove High School, Irvin worked weekends at what she calls a “Center Grove tradition” while attending Ball State. She would joke with owner that she would buy it someday. Six years after graduation “someday” has come.
When Aldi bought the land of the current location long-time owner Ken Hansen decided it was time to retire giving Irvin her opportunity. The all-new Pizza King will open at the corner of Fairview and State Road 135 in early March. Some of the familiar items, plaques, and wall decorations will make the move but Irvin plans a fresh look for the restaurant including her sister’s artwork and a number of large screen TV’s. Pizza King will be a full service restaurant, no more ordering at the counter, plus beer and wine will be available. The game room will continue and Irvine adds, “It will still be Center Grove.”
Irvin plans further integration of the restaurant into the community. Pizza King will be a sponsor of the Center Grove Aquatics Club and other community fund raising efforts. Owning a restaurant is a life filled with long days and hard work but Irvine’s enthusiasm, experience and local connections will assure that the Center Grove Pizza King will remain a tradition for a new generation of residents.