To give you an idea of how good the pizza is at Stan's Pizza Joint at 4527 Hastings St., you need look no further than Judith Gauge.
Yes, Gauge is the business partner of co-owner and restaurant namesake Stan Reid, but she loves the pizza even though one of her first experiences there was less than stellar.
Gauge was going on a date with a fellow who told her he had to stop by the eatery because he had to do some pizza deliveries. Gauge, always up for an adventure, went along and predictably, that first date was also the last date. (Note to anybody going on a first date: taking a woman out while you're delivering pizzas is a horrible idea, as is hitting on another employee afterwards).
Gauge did get to try some of Reid's pizza. She loved it, and before she knew it, they were business partners.
"The pizza was so good," she said with a hearty laugh.
"I still love it, and that's why we're in business together."
Reid has more than 13 years of experience in the same location, with the first 10 years being a Pizza Factory and the last three as Stan's pizzeria and bar.
The location is quirky, as a staircase and wall separates the two dining rooms.
But what separates Stan's from other local restaurants is how he celebrates the quirkiness that makes his restaurant special.
The pizza is tasty and affordable - and if you ask nicely, he'll make it any style you want - and the newest addition to the menu is a variety of sandwiches, another perfect finger food.
I had a preview of the chicken breast sandwich, a perfectly seasoned sandwich served on foccacia bread with Stan's own chipotle sauce.
The sandwich was a great lunch for $9, but as I perused the other sandwiches on order, I couldn't help but notice the six-ounce salmon sandwich and the slow-roasted pulled pork sandwich also available for $9 each. I think I have a couple of very good reasons to get back to Stan's very soon.
The sandwich was a nice appetizer - as were the $3.95 pepperoni bites that were served with homemade honey mustard dip - to the pizza that is the core of Stan's business.
The Joint Special pizza features pepperoni, beef, Italian sausage, green peppers, tomatoes and cheddar cheese and is a veritable steal at $23.95 for two mediums.
It was darn fine pizza, with a little more kick than I expected.
That's because Reid spices up his dough by mixing in some garlic and some spices.
Reid is living out a dream, employing up to 15 people in a vibrant neighbourhood and serving some of the best comfort food in the Heights.
"I'd always wanted to do a pizza sports bar, so that's how Stan's was born," said Reid of the restaurant that celebrated its third birthday on Jan. 20. "We knew we had a pretty good pizza business, so this was a chance to expand and do a little something more."
That "little something more" has included everything from wedding receptions to packed houses on Canucks hockey nights.
Chef and manager Marco Faccone runs a tight ship in the kitchen, making sure quality control and customer service are never compromised.
"Do everything well," said Reid. "We don't have a deep fryer, so everything's baked."
Reid counted more than 20 pizza competitors within a couple kilometres radius of his restaurant, so there's never a time to rest.
In fact, Reid and Gauge have made it a point to reach out to the community by being a good charitable partner.
They've been sponsors of the SFU hockey team, delivered pizzas for the hot lunch program at Confederation Park
Pizza and more: At left, Judith Gauge and Stan Reid with dessert at Stan's Pizza Joint. Above, the Joint Special. and Gilmore elementary schools and provided the repast for trivia night at Alpha Secondary.
"We're a part of this community, and we want to give back when we can," said Gauge. "People are pretty appreciative, and we're happy to be able to help."
Stan's Pizza Joint is open from 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. For more info, call 6042985711.
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