Mary’s Pizza Shack
From humble beginnings in Boyes Hot Springs to becoming a Shasta County staple, Mary’s Pizza Shack is a true American success story.
In 1959, Mary Fazio began serving guests in a tiny pink house converted into a restaurant. Using $700 and the pans from her own house, Mary’s Pizza Shack would grow to 17 restaurants strong, including locations in Anderson and Redding.
“Although Mary’s started in Sonoma County, both Shasta County Shacks are locally owned and operated,” says Charlew Byerly, Mary Fazio’s grandson.
Just like his grandmother, Charlew and his wife Kathy carry on that can-do and entrepreneurial spirit that’s made Mary’s Pizza Shack a favorite for generations.
And while scores of families have enjoyed the delicious menu offerings, many of the Mary’s Pizza Shack staff have come and stayed through the years. KC Belchamber and Stephanie Stutsman, who work as Head Cook and HR Coordinator respectively, have more than 50 years combined experience recreating Mary’s recipes.
“The Shack has many memories,” Charlew Byerly says. “Our crew is an extended family, and we have several people working with us who started 15, 20 or 30-plus years ago.
“We moved our family here to raise our children and some of the friends we’ve made over the years at the original locations moved out here, too.”
And while Mary’s Pizza Shack has innovated with the times – guests can order from the convenience of their phones using Mary’s online site – the sauces and soups are still handmade, the way Mary did it. The result is food that keeps you coming back and pizza that leaves you fighting for the last piece.
“Purchasing the building in downtown Redding was exciting and felt like we really established solid business roots,” Charlew Byerly says. In addition to the two Shasta County locations, the Byerlys operate Mary’s thriving catering business and can usually be found dishing up delicious offerings somewhere in the county from spring to fall.
New additions and innovations have come in the form of a delightful patio off the Redding location and the North State’s only automated beer wall, digitally controlled and self-serve, where you can purchase your favorite craft beers by the ounce. Their Anderson location is set to get the beer wall this summer.
And while Mary Fazio passed away in 1999, her legacy of love, family and great food lives on.
“Over 60 years later, we still use the recipes, ingredients, love and care that we learned from Mary,” it says on the Shack’s website. “We invite you to come in and experience it for yourself; there’s always room in our family.”
Mary’s Pizza Shack
Anderson: 1901 Highway 273, (530) 378-1110
Redding: 1177 Shasta St., (530) 247-1110
www.maryspizzashack.com
