Doug Westerfield, right, owner of Terrific Pizza in Davenport, makes a pizza in his new business in early July. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
“You’re about to have the best pizza you’ve ever had.” Doug Westerfield said that with pride recently as he prepared a customer’s pizza at his new business – Terrific Pizza, located at 1627 Washington St., Davenport. Terrific Pizza opened for business in time for the ultra-busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. The business got off […]
“You’re about to have the best pizza you’ve ever had.”Doug Westerfield said that with pride recently as he prepared a customer’s pizza at his new business – Terrific Pizza, located at 1627 Washington St., Davenport.Terrific Pizza opened for business in time for the ultra-busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. The business got off to a fast start with many new customers and many pizzas going out the door.“It’s been busy, busy. For the most part, things have been going good,” Mr. Westerfield added during a more recent hectic Saturday afternoon. On that day, classic rock music was playing in the background as workers were taking calls, making lots of pizzas and greeting their new customers at the door.The business is hoping that its extensive menu will keep bringing in the customers. In addition to the many pizza options (sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, thin crust and Chicago-style options, to name a few), the business offers sandwiches. Those include: Jamaican jerk chicken (served with pineapple coconut rices); the Cynthia burger ( an eight-ounce burger with onion rings, cheddar cheese, bacon jam and spicy aioli); BBQ pork (chopped pork in bourbon BBQ sauce topped with southern coleslaw); and other sandwiches. Some of the other menu options include dessert pizza, pepperoni sticks, wings and BBQ chicken sliders.Terrific Pizza is open: noon to 8 p.m. Mondays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays; 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The business phone number is (563) 650-3853.Shortly before Terrific Pizza opened for business, Mr. Westerfield, 48, told the QCBJ that he loves the look and feel of the Washington Street neighborhood. He was looking forward to bringing a new business to that section of the city.“It’s a perfect location. It’s just a really busy street,” he added.That “perfect location” is next door to the Meat Market on the west end of Davenport, and not too far from the well-traveled Five Points intersection. These days, the Washington Street neighborhood is a mix of businesses and homes, and located just south of Locust Street.He added that the Terrific Pizza will have about six employees.Mr. Westerfield also is making plans for outside dining. Even though Terrific Pizza will not have room for dine-in service, he says his customers can use the outdoor seating available next door at the Meat Market.“I’m really excited about this. I’m a person who works better under pressure,” he added.Even though there is always some pressure in opening a new business, Mr. Westerfield says he is ready for the challenge. He says his experience in the restaurant field will help him in his new business adventure.The Davenport man has 27 years of restaurant experience that includes working at The Current Hotel in downtown Davenport, the Hilton and the Monarch Bar & Grill, both in Bettendorf, and the R/C Brazilian Steakhouse, Davenport, according to his Facebook page.He says that experience has taught him many valuable lessons. They include: keep a positive attitude, keep the lines of communications open with employees and keep your passion for the business alive.“You can’t lose your passion in this business. … I bring passion to the table,” he added.
