By Zane Davis
Ruszoni’s Pizza, has been a fixture in Weiser dining for the past 22 years under the direction of owners, Bob and Shirley Russell, but patrons to the popular pizzeria will find a new face at the helm from here on out.
Weiser native, Nick Reed and his wife, Melissa, recently purchased Ruszoni’s Pizzeria. No sooner than the ink was dry on the deal, Reed took over the business of building delicious pizzas and waiting on customers. Reed may be new to the pizza business, but the purchase of Ruszoni’s was not an impulse buy. Nearly ten years ago, Nick mentioned to Bob and Shirley Russell that he would be interested in purchasing 
the restaurant if they ever chose to retire. The Russells remembered Reed’s interest, and six months ago Nick and Melissa were given the opportunity to become restauranteurs. Nick says, “I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity”, despite having a ridiculously hectic schedule. Melissa is a third grade teacher for the Weiser School District, while Nick is a sales rep for the northwest for E-Road, a New Zealand company that provides services for long haul truck drivers. With both Reeds currently 
having full-time employment, it might seem like enough. However, their workload does not stop there. Nick is also the head coach for the Weiser High School Girls Basketball program, and they are very active in the Catholic Church, where Nick serves as a youth group leader. If that schedule doesn’t make you tired, add to it the fact that Nick and Melissa 
are also parents of three great kids. Ali Reed, 18, is a senior at Weiser High School. Tim Reed, 14, is in the 8th grade at Weiser Middle School, and Brady Reed, 11 attends Park School. All of the Reed children are great athletes and participate in many extra-curricular activities, which just adds to the scheduling chaos. Apparently when you are accustomed to juggling busy schedules, adding another ball to the act, is not a big deal. The entire Reed family is very happy about the business acquisition. Especially Nick, who is taking to the pizza-making biz like he was made for it.
Nick plans to keep the business the way it has been for years, including the 
existing staff, which Reed says are a “great group”. He does plan to do some renovations to the building and he will be adding new items to the menu. Eventually, Reed hopes to add lunch service to the hours of operation. Nick will also institute monthly specials and a daily Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m.
Ruszoni’s specializes in hand-tossed homemade pizzas cooked in a traditional pizza oven, not a conveyor oven. Ruszoni’s has a variety of pizza sizes to suit your needs. Like other pizza establishments, Ruszoni’s has the typical large pizza, measuring 14-inches. However, Ruszoni’s also provides an extra-large, 16-inch pizza and a XX-large, 28-inch mega pizza, 
ideal for parties. They also serve sandwiches and salads. There is a variety of beer on tap, as well as wine and sodas.
From the moment you step into Ruszoni’s you feel at ease. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, yet spacious enough to host large groups or parties. There is a variety of coin-operated video games 
available to entertain the kids while they await their pizza. Entertainment that is free-of-charge can be found watching pizza chef, Keilan Phillips, toss the pizza dough into the air with amazing dexterity and accuracy.
Ruszoni’s is located at 540 State Street in downtown Weiser, and is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week. If you don’t feel like a sit-down restaurant meal, you can 
call in your take out order at 549-1093 or better yet, ask for home delivery. The staff at Ruszoni’s is happy to accommodate.
Nick says he is “excited to build on a great business”, and hopes that the people of Weiser take the opportunity to stop in a rediscover what Ruszoni’s has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
The Reeds will be having a Grand Re-Opening/Open House on Saturday, April 9, 2016, and Nick and Melissa welcome everyone to stop in an enjoy a beverage, try out their April special, consisting of (2) medium, 2-topping pizzas for $20.00. Enjoy quality food at a reasonable price and good conversation.
Ruazoni’s can also be found on Facebook, so check it out, give it a like and watch for the monthly specials!
