One of Parkville’s popular restaurants will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on Oct. 9. Stone Canyon Pizza will host a special celebration to mark this three-decades milestone.
Since opening its doors in 1995, serving the Parkville and Gladstone communities has been the mission of Stone Canyon.
The celebration will feature special promotions, entertainment, and a charitable partnership with local law enforcement.
“We’re not just celebrating 30 years in business – we’re celebrating 30 years of being part of this community’s story,” Stone Canyon co-owner Kevin Heaton said. “Our incredible staff has been the heart of everything we do, and seeing the young people we’ve had the privilege to mentor come back with families of their own reminds us that we’re not just serving food, we’re helping shape lives and create lasting memories.”
Heaton has been in the business since he was a teenager. One of his first jobs was working for Godfather’s Pizza. When he was 23, he wanted to purchase a failing Minsky’s Pizza, and after 16 trips to the bank to attain funding for his new business, he finally succeeded, and opened Stone Canyon Pizza in Parkville in 1995.
He was eager to use his creativity in the kitchen, and he was determined to buy the best meats and cheeses available to make the best possible pizzas.
Since there are many pizza places within reach of local communities, Heaton believes that what makes Stone Canyon unique is their focus on hospitality. Making people feel special is something he prioritizes in his restaurants. He also believes the pizza industry has become focused on getting customers in and out quickly. He urges people to slow down and thoroughly enjoy their dining experience.
The restaurant has not only built a reputation for its family-friendly atmosphere and quality food, but most important to the restaurant’s owners is community engagement. Stone Canyon has proudly served as a launching pad for countless young people entering the workforce. Over three decades many of the former teenage employees have returned regularly with their own growing families, which the owners see as a testament to the lasting bonds formed within its walls.
“Over the past three decades, the restaurant has been powered by the dedication of its exceptional staff, many of whom have become extended family to both the owners and customers,” Heaton said.
Heaton is well-known in the restaurant industry and is a consultant for local restaurateurs.
“For 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving generations of families and celebrating life’s most important milestones alongside our community,” Stone Canyon co-owner Joe Gallagher said. “This anniversary is not just about our journey, but about the relationships we’ve built and the traditions we’ve helped create.”
Since the closing of Frank’s Italian Restaurant, Stone Canyon is now the oldest restaurant in Parkville still operated by its original owner.
The anniversary celebration will run throughout the day at both Stone Canyon Pizza locations: 15 Main Street, Parkville, and 504 NE 70th Street, Gladstone.
The special promotions will include large specialty pizzas for $19.95 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 19.95 percent of the total specialty pizza sales will benefit the Shop with a Cop program in partnership with Parkville and Gladstone Police Departments.
Evening entertainment and activities, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. will include table-side magic performances, complimentary cupcakes while supplies last, free Pizza for a Year contest, limited-edition commemorative cups and Special Burger Night offerings.
“The restaurant has witnessed countless celebrations, from birthday parties to graduation dinners, and has become an integral part of the area’s social fabric,” Heaton said. “The restaurant has become a beloved institution that continues to bring families together over great food. We look forward to continuing these traditions for many years to come.”