Pizza House celebrates 30 years as Lorena's oldest family-owned business

The pizza shop has served the town for three decades with its signature sauce and fresh approach.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Pizza House, a family-owned pizza shop in Lorena, Texas, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend. Owners Kathy and Chuck Roper purchased the business in 1996 despite having no prior experience in the pizza industry. Through hard work, advice from others, and perfecting their recipes, they have built a loyal customer base and weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

In a time when many small businesses have struggled to survive, Pizza House's longevity as Lorena's oldest family-owned business is a testament to the power of community support, a focus on quality, and an unwavering commitment to serving customers.

The details

When the Ropers purchased Pizza House in 1996, they had just moved to Texas from Ohio and knew nothing about the pizza business. However, through years of hard work, advice from others, and perfecting their recipes, they were able to build a loyal customer base. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ropers' son came up with the idea of a 'pay it forward' board where customers could buy free pizza tickets for those in need, which helped the business survive the difficulties.

  • Pizza House was purchased by Kathy and Chuck Roper on Valentine's Day 1996.
  • The business is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend.

The players

Kathy and Chuck Roper

The owners of Pizza House, who purchased the business in 1996 despite having no prior experience in the pizza industry.

Lisa Torrez

A customer who has been returning to Pizza House for 21 years after hearing from friends that the pizza was 'to die for'.

Terri Wood

A loyal customer who has been visiting Pizza House since its opening day 30 years ago.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody will ever beat them.”

— Lisa Torrez

“It's a family business, and you feel like you are a part of the family and a family friend, and they know you by name.”

— Terri Wood

“When COVID hit, I thought our business would end. My son came up with the idea of putting a board on the wall. We put tickets on there for people to come in and get pizza if they couldn't afford it.”

— Chuck Roper, Owner, Pizza House (KWTX)

What’s next

The Ropers plan to continue serving the Lorena community with their signature pizza and commitment to quality for years to come.

The takeaway

Pizza House's 30-year history as Lorena's oldest family-owned business demonstrates the power of community support, innovation, and a dedication to providing a high-quality product. Their story serves as an inspiration for small businesses looking to weather challenging times and maintain a loyal customer base.