Hidden Gems: Meet Pete Richardson of Lake Gaston Pizza & More

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Richardson.  

Hi Pete, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Opened up a restaurant with my mother (The Lincoln, Petersburgh, Va, 1988). Closed due to father passing 1989. Did culinary internship at The Wyndham in Henrico, Va 1989-1990. Managed two other restaurants from 1990-1999. Moved to Lake Gaston in 2000. Was Owner/Operator of The Lakehouse Restaurant 2004-2007. Went to New Orleans School of Cooking and several other cooking classes. Opened Lake Gaston Pizza & More 2016-Present. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting any business is a challenge, but the restaurant business is extremely difficult. We started in 2016 with 800 sq ft and just 6 tables. Expanded in 2019 to 4,000 sq ft and 38 tables, then COVID hit. We struggled and proceeded to change with ongoing situations. Being in a seasonal Vacation area (Lake Gaston), we lost most of our tourism income. We kept adapting over the next few seasons to provide a wide variety of home-cooked meals to help with sales. After a two-year struggle, we made it to finally being able to use the 4,000 sq ft dining room. We’ve been blessed and very successful ever since. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Lake Gaston Pizza & More. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Located in the Foodlion Shopping Center in Littleton, NC. We’re dedicated to serving quality meals with the freshest ingredients available and providing excellent customer service. From making fresh dough and cutting all of the vegetables daily to preparing southern-style home-cooked meals. Everything from fresh seafood to homestyle cooking. We’re so much more than pizza, wings, and subs. We’ve received numerous “Reader’s Choice” awards over the years. Everything from Cleanest Restaurant, Best Service, Best Pizza, Best Subs, etc… Our community has been gracious enough to support us, so that’s why we are also extremely involved in giving back to our community. In 2016 I started “Lake-A-Palooza” as a charity benefit on the Lake. It has grown to be a main summer attraction on the lake every Labor Day weekend. We formed a 5013-C called “Wobble Island Inc” and have made generous donations to local Fire Departments, Emergency Response teams, The Littleton Veterans Museum, as well as surrounding county residents. In 2016 I also started and continue to do a Christmas Toy that has given toys and monetary donations to VCU Children’s Hospital, Halifax, and Northampton Child Protective Services, as well as local children in need of everything from hygiene products, clothes, and toys. I am very humbled by recently being inducted into The Marquis Who’s Who for Owner & Philanthropists as well as one of their Top Professionals – Top Business Owners. An achievement I would have never expected. I am also proud of my wife, Tami (Business Partner), and my staff. Without them, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are. We would like to let visitors as well as residents know that we’re the type of restaurant that not only they can get a great meal with excellent service, but we also get to know their name and make them feel like family every time they come in. As the saying goes ” Lake Gaston Pizza & More-Come on Y’all… Ya’ Gotta Be Here”. It’s our slogan, and we hear it from our customers every day. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
The friendliness of the locals as well as the relaxed atmosphere. When the tourist come visit and are rude, and in so much of a hurry, they don’t take the time to enjoy our laid-back type of lifestyle. 

Contact Info:

• Website: lakegastonpizza.com
• Facebook: lakegastonpizza
• Twitter: lakegastonpizza
• Yelp: lakegastonpizza
• Other: google-lakegastonpizza