pizza – Antwerp Chamber of Commerce

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce spotlight for March is The Antwerp Pit Stop in Antwerp, Ohio.

Christy and Tony DeLong are the owners of the Pit Stop. It all began with a phone call and the opportunity to purchase a business. Tony and Christy discussed the idea and then set the papers aside for awhile. Then Gene Mosier from National Oil and Gas came and asked for a chance to meet with them and discuss things in more detail. That was the moment for Christy when faith kicked in and it felt like the right time to take a chance and things began to fall into place.

Christy and Tony began the business with zero knowledge about what it takes to run a gas station and convenience store. Previously Christy had worked as a dental hygienist for 15 years. The last 19 years of owning the business has proven to be challenging as well as rewarding and Christy is most positive of the impact they have had on the local economy and the relationships they have been able to build with their customers.

The business, originally the Shell Station, became known as the Antwerp Pit Stop. A gas station and convenience store that is a one stop destination for fuel, a variety of snacks and even a delicious pizza emerged as a result of that decision. The station features multiple fuel pumps for various fuel types which makes it convenient for customers that have different fuel needs. The convenience store is well stocked with everyday essentials, snacks, beverages hot and cold and other convenience items.

Our hometown locally owned and operated gas station is best known for its beer cave and its pizza. Being locally owned the Pit Stop adds a special touch to the community, distinguishing itself from larger, corporate chains. Customers often appreciate knowing that their purchases contribute directly to our local economy and that Christy and Tony regularly give back to the community through donations to various community functions, sports team sponsorships as well as being very active within the community. These things are what set the Pit Stop aside as our only locally owned gas station in the village of Antwerp.

The friendly and approachable staff members work hard to keep that sense of community connection alive. They work hard to keep a clean and well maintained gas station and convenience store and that makes a positive impression within the community. Gas discounts are available through programs that they participate in such as Marathon Rewards and Get Upside. Customers return to the Pit Stop because of the convenient location, competitive pricing and the wide range of products offered in the store. The staff does their best to make sure customers find what they are looking for.

The Antwerp Pit Stop serves the Antwerp community as well as people traveling through town and many from across the state line. The best way that a customer can improve their experience when they visit the store is if you don’t find what you are looking for, please ask the staff. Chances are that they may be able to work with any of one of their remarkable vendors to get this item into your hands.

Congratulations to Christy and Tony on serving the Antwerp Community for the last 19 years. Your dedication to the Village of Antwerp and the surrounding communities is obvious in the care that you take with your customers, your staff and the business community of Antwerp.

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce spotlight for February is Pin-A-Rama bowling alley, located in downtown art 207 West Daggett Street Antwerp, Ohio.

The owners of this newly purchased and remodeled business are Reggie and Brandi Clem. Regan and Lindsay Clem. If you want to take a step back in time, visit this uniquely renovated bowling alley/diner/pizza establishment. Pinball machines, 50’s retro dining look, craft bottled sodas, milk shakes, hamburgers and hot bologna sandwiches made on Bob and Virg’s magical grill, Ruth’s famous cole slaw and a variety of pizza make this place a must go to for friends and family events.

When the Hogan family decided to sell the bowling alley, Reggie and Regan and their father Rollie Clem, hated to see the bowling alley disappear. Without the bowling alley, there really wasn’t a place outside of church, bars and school activities for people to get to know one another and have a good time. There wasn’t a place for a family to have a fun night out in our little town. The Clems wanted to continue to make that happen, so they took a chance and are bringing the place back to life like we all remembered about it from our childhoods growing up.

The Pin-a-Rama was built in 1957 by Bob Johnson and Virgil Meyers. Many Antwerpians remember time spent at the bowling alley. Friday night bowling when there were no ballgames, birthday parties with friends, bowling in leagues both in high school gym classes and then later as adults. The famous fried bologna sandwiches. Bob and Virg sold the business in the 90’s and it has changed many hands and business names as well. The Clems are determined to bring back the wonderful burgers and fun that Bob and Virg had created.

The bowling alley is the only one in Ohio west of Defiance. It is a great place to have parties and the benefits is you don’t have to clean up the mess. One of the best things they love to hear is about how the burgers bring back memories of when they were growing up and spending time at the bowling alley.

Reggie and Regan are most proud of the support the business has received from the community. While this has been a huge learning curve for them, the community has been awesome and supportive through it all. They are looking forward to serving the community for years to come. Pin-a-Rama is more than just a bowling alley. It is a place to grab a good burger, shake or malt. It’s a place to get a pizza and share with friends. It’s a place to play pinball and have a good time. It’s a place to have a party with friends. It’s a place where friendships are made and grow. In fact, they have already had several couples who have had their first date at the bowling alley.

When you walk into their business you can expect to travel back in time to a place where the burgers are fresh, the shakes are great and friendships are made. What makes them unique is the taste of the burgers, the large variety of craft sodas and just a fun 50’s diner feel.

Reggie has several bowling leagues organized including one during the daytime and a kid’s league on Saturdays. Monday afternoons from 3-5:30 there is unlimited bowling and a free craft soda for $5.

Regan and Reggie commented “Here is our commitment to all of you though. We will strive to get better and better. We will be better next time than we are this time. We want Pin-A-Rama to be one of your favorite places in the whole world, just like it was for us when we were growing up. We want to be a place where people build friendships and our community is made better.”

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Pin-A-Rama in the growth of Antwerp and the surrounding community.

Business Spotlight- The Antwerp Pit Stop

Pin-a-Rama bowling and dining