By Jennifer Farnsworth
Amy Stumvoll has been making pizza since she was 18 years old. Working her way up to manager at a pizzeria, she started thinking of what it would be like to own her own place.
Originally from central New York, she worked and managed pizzerias in that area for 15 years. Then she worked for Caputo’s Pizzeria in Saratoga Springs for another nine years. When the opportunity came to take the next step and run her own business, she believed the time was right. Her Fort Edward pizza place, Stumpy’s Pizza is located at 165 Broadway, will open after renovations are complete.
Stumvoll named the business after a fictional moose character, based on her husband’s childhood nickname.
“I wanted something fun and memorable and Stumpy’s fit the bill perfectly,” she said.
For Stumvoll, Stumpy’s will not be just another pizza place. The dedication she has to the industry will be reflected in the food and atmosphere of the restaurant.
“Pizza has been my passion since I picked up my first dough ball. I truly love everything about this industry, from the constant movement, to the staff, to the relationships that are formed with customers,” she said.
“I would say that I am incredibly fortunate to have found my passion for pizza. There have been a few distractions along the way, but I have known for many years that this was ultimately what I wanted to do for a career. That brings us to Stumpy’s.”
Stumvoll said purchasing the property, which was formerly Angelina’s Pizzeria, was the next logical step. The location made sense because it is in the town where she and her husband live, so they feel they have a good understanding of the community.
“It has also been a pizzeria for many years, so I get to bring that convenience back to Fort Edward. Having grown up in a small town really allows me to appreciate all that they have to offer. Everyone I have met thus far has been fantastic in their support and enthusiasm for the pizzeria,” she said. “I also have what I believe to be a slightly different take on how a business should be run.”
Stumvoll also prides herself on knowing the importance of building relationships, which she feels will allow her to be successful. It will allow her to develop a line of trust that will keep people coming back.
“Relationships matter. They are what drive us each and every day. Relationships with our team, for we could not do it alone. With our customers, since we would not be here without them. With our community, in which we are proud to be a neighbor. This is what allows us to pursue our passion, delivering a superior service experience and awesome food everyday. Our enthusiasm for what we do is contagious,” said Stumvoll.
Her goal is to build a team environment where she and her employees are excited and eager to get to work.
“It is then our collective job to ensure that our customers feel welcome and at home each and every time they step foot through our door. Creating this atmosphere is what I am most excited about,” said Stumvoll.
The restaurant will be able to seat up to 36 patrons. Stumvoll said they will offer eat-in, pick-up and delivery.
The menu will consist of pizza, subs, salads, chicken wings, appetizers, and dinners, with lunch and dinner specials. They will be closed on Mondays.