Firehouse a real hot spot for students
The word firehouse often stirs images of fire engines, dalmatians and, for USU students, pizza.
Firehouse Pizzeria was established in 2001 by Cache Valley natives Neal and Greg Chambers. Located at 880 South Main in Logan, managers said the pizzeria has become a busy restaurant.
Liza Allen, a manager at Firehouse, gave a description of how much business the restaurant receives.
“We get a big lunch rush and on weekends sometimes a waiting list. It does get pretty busy,” she said.
To keep up with all of the demand, Allen said Firehouse employs many Utah State University students.
Anthony Degan, a sophomore majoring in forensics, said he loves working at Firehouse. When asked how the job works around his school schedule, Degan said, “I just give them my availability and they just work around it.”
Kelsey Clegg, an undeclared freshman, said her favorite part of the job is the people she works with.
She began working at Firehouse in June, but said the transition between summer and school was really easy. “I have classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so I work on Tuesday, Thursday and in the evening.”
Firehouse Pizzeria is not part of any chain, but Allen said plans for opening a second one are in the works and that it will hopefully be up and running by next fall.
Firehouse also tries to attract the college scene by showing school spirit, Allen said. On football and basketball game days, she said the employees wear the game-day shirt as their uniform.
Degan said that he particularly enjoys game days. “[It’s] just packed and everyone has a smile on their face.” he said. Allen said that there is usually a large rush after games and it is mostly comprised of college students.
For the time being, Firehouse employees won’t begin to wear the new game-day shirts, Allen said. For now, they have enough of the old shirts for workers to wear, she said, but eventually it might change.
The décor includes shirts and other items that Allen said have been donated by various fire departments.
Firehouse has many different items for customers to choose from.
“We sell a lot more than pizza.” Allen said.
The menu includes salads, pasta, sandwiches, and calzones.
Emily Warnock, a senior majoring in biology, said she has been to Firehouse several times, but has not yet tried the pizza.
“People come here just for focaccia bread or a pizzookie.” Allen said.
The pizzookie is called the house favorite on the menu and is a cookie topped with three scoops of ice cream.
Clegg said that her favorite items are the “Cowboy pizza” – a spicy barbeque chicken combo – and Ratatouille – a veggie-lover’s pizza. Landon Preece, a senior majoring in biology, said, “The cowboy pizza was great.”
Allen said several college students come to Firehouse for their dates.
“It is a pretty casual environment, so everyone is comfortable,” Allen said.
Lisa Niederhauser, a senior majoring in sociology, said, “We [roommates] go to Firehouse for all our birthday parties. It is the best way to show you care.”
When asked if a person could be found who didn’t like Firehouse, Warnock said, “Good luck!”
Preece, who split his pizza with roommates, said, “It was expensive, but it was great.”
Chailyn Thornton, a senior majoring in dietetics, said, “If I could, I would eat at Firehouse every day.”
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Mitch Smith, a Firehouse employee, places a pizza into the oven. Firehouse opend for business in 2001 and has enjoyed popularity among many USU students ever since.