DATE: Friday, April 4, 1997                 TAG: 9704020117

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 14   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   44 lines

WINSTON'S OWNER OPENS HUNGRY HOWIE'S PIZZA

Veteran restaurant owner and manager Greg Evans is launching the first Hungry Howie's Pizza Store franchise in Virginia. The restaurant officially opened for business Tuesday in the Crossways Center across from Greenbrier Mall.

Evans is no newcomer to the restaurant industry or to the Greenbrier business community. He opened one of the region's first restaurants, Winston's Cafe, more than seven years ago.

``I came here early,'' said Evans. ``The only other restaurants here then were The Olive Garden and Cheers.''

Evans said he decided on a franchise for his second restaurant because of the support and training offered to the owners and managers.

``It's easier than opening a store from scratch,'' he said. ``You're not having to re-invent the wheel.''

The Hungry Howie's Pizza Store will be a take-out and delivery franchise only and Evans said the geographical range for delivery will be about five square miles.

``It's basically just for the Greenbrier area,'' he said.

Prices for most pizzas range from $5.99 to $14.99 for a family combo. The restaurant charges $2 for delivery, but Evans said the consumer can save if they pick up their own pizzas.

Evans said he will initially gear his business to the Greenbrier family market.

``Once we get the business underway we'll expand our hours during the day for the business community,'' he said.

Evans and his brother, Don, are co-owners and managers in the new pizza business, and Greg Evans said the duo's responsibilities will include everything from managing the inventory to making the pizzas to delivering them to customers.

The Hungry Howie's pizza franchise operates more than 36 locations in 19 states and is known for flavored crust pizzas. The crust flavors include original, sesame seed, butter, rye, poppy seed, garlic, butter cheese and cajun. The restaurant's menu also includes subs, salads and wings.

The store's hours initially will be 4 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m, Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.

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