Business & Tech
Saline's Benito's Pizza Has New Owner
There's a new look and new owner at the popular pizzeria.
Before Nick Wallen graduated from Saline High School, he participated in DECA, a highly acclaimed marketing program. In 2005, he developed a pizza training program that made it all the way to national DECA competition.
“That was my first step toward entrepreneurship,” he said. “It’s funny, now some five or so years later, here I am with a pizza business.”
On Feb. 28, Wallen took ownership of the Benito’s Pizza franchise at 439 E. Michigan Ave. just east of Maple Street, in Saline
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Wallen is an entrepreneur by nature. His enthusiasm for business, quality, customer service and community are what drew him to the franchise opportunity that Benito’s offered.
Having looked around for other franchise opportunities, when the Benito’s Saline location became available, he didn’t have to think twice.
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“It’s a good fit,” he said.
Wallen likes the quality of the product, the fact that Benito's is a smaller franchise with room for expansion, and especially, its location. Benito's is close to home for Wallen, who lives in Saline with his wife, Amy, and daughter, Audry. The couple is expecting a baby in July.
Wallen studied business at Eastern Michigan University and is now realizing his dream of being a business owner. According to sales, the position agrees with him. His weekly sales numbers have been steadily rising each week, and he is hopeful for the future.
The interior of the store has been completely remodeled in warm, neutral tones. The furniture has been refinished and a new menu board gives the place a bistro feel.
“It is more comfortable, kind of café style,” Wallen said of the new look.
Wallen said he believes in the quality of the product he is selling.
“The Big Benito is really our showpiece,” he said. “It’s a catering specialty with twenty pieces and one hundred pepperoni and it's still under twenty bucks.”
Benito’s offers other fare like calzones, salads, wings, pasta and ribs.
Wallen said hopes to expand one day, but for now is focused on the nuts and bolts of running a business.
“The focus is on successful business models that we can implement in any store in any location. It’s about the process,” he said.
Benito’s is open daily for dine-in, carry-out or delivery. For more information call 734-429-2555.