Meet the Man Behind Magill's

If you've lived in Annandale for more than a couple of years, you may have learned how to make pizza when you were a kid from a man named Mike Magill. The long-time restaurateur has been an Annandale resident since the 1980s and is the owner of Magill's Famous Pizza and Buffet located at 7201 Little River Turnpike. The restaurant is known for it's community environment and it's large quality buffets, but the man behind the restaurant is known in the community for much more.

A graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, Magill ran a Shakey's Pizza franchise for several years before starting his own business. In 1988, he dropped the Shakey's Pizza name and the royalties that came with it and renamed his restaurant to the name many Annandale residents are familiar with: Magill's Famous Pizza and Buffet. "People who had been customers for at least five years wondered how I came up with a name like 'Magill's'; They didn't know it was my last name," Magill explained.

An ardent believer in giving back to the local community, Magill and his restaurant participate in a number of activities in Annandale and around the Mason District. He is a member of the Annandale Chamber of Commerce and a regular supporter of the annual fall festival and parade. Magill recently won recognition as the Mason District' s 2010 Lord Fairfax. The award is given to members of each district in Fairfax County who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service in their community. Members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors select two members to nominate each year.

He is also committed to working with youth and children with special needs. With his help, children from the neighborhood have been able to participate in little league games and compete in the Special Olympics. Magill said he makes time to connect with youth and others because "kids want to know things" and "no person is too big to not take the time to reach out to the youth."

Magill's Famous Pizza and Buffet in Annandale has been around for over 25 years. The restaurant caters to large groups including people traveling cross-country by coach buses, a market Magill says is his "niche" outside of the local businesses and community events he caters to. "Since Washington, D.C. is a big travel destination for students and tour groups, [they need a place that's] student and group friendly. We have what they need," said Magill.

Dobson Bowdon of Madison, Mississippi, President of Bowdon Coaches, LLC –TREK Travel Programs, has been bringing students to Magill's for almost 15 years. He said he "couldn't work with nicer people who truly care about providing our groups a great experience and good food too."

The restaurant serves special and varying buffets on different days of the week.  Monday through Thursday is a regular buffet of fried chicken, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs. On Fridays, there is a seafood buffet and on Saturdays and Sundays, there are barbeque ribs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a number of other dishes. At the back of the restaurant, there are a variety of arcade games and other electronic games that patrons can play.

To learn more about Mike Magill or Magill's Famous Pizza and Buffet, visit their website.