4 minute read
John's Pan Pizza
Although John’s Pan Pizza is a small space, the kitchen’s output is impressive. With over seventy types of pizza offered, owner Pushpinder Singh Dullat is kept busy and he has plans to expand the menu.
Pushpinder grew up in the town of Sangrur in northern India’s Punjab state. He recalls being taught to cook when he was a child.
He says, “I owe my cooking skills to my mom and dad. They taught me the philosophy of cooking and serving. We do not cook to sell. We cook to feed empty bellies and put smiles on the faces of our customers. Serving food is sacred to me.”
“My education is in computer engineering. I have worked in the telecom industry. My passion has always been cooking. My wife Harsimran Kaur helped me refine my ideas and after evaluating all the logistics and operational requirements we decided to play with dough and bake some pizza,” Pushpinder reports.
He sought an area in Metro Vancouver where he would love to work. Good fortune was on his side; he discovered John’s Pan Pizza was for sale in 2019.
“The character of Steveston village was enough for me to say yes. Since June 2019 we have fought an uphill battle and have gotten over a lot of hurdles. COVID-19 has been a great business lesson,” Pushpinder shares.
“I walked into John’s Pan Pizza with a vision to offer great food and amazing customer service. We worked on fixing the appearance and creating an identity for ourselves. The extensive selection of pizza combinations and flavours is our identity now,” Pushpinder says.
One would imagine that if your parents owned a pizza shop it would be a child’s dream come true.
Pushpinder mentions, “I have a daughter and a nephew. They both have their favourites. Kids are our best customers. The way they show excitement and happiness for pizza is amazing. We missed kids in 2020 during lunch breaks due to COVID-19. They bring a different exciting energy with them.”
He comments, “Pizza resonates with me. The Punjabi in me thinks of pizza as tandoori naan with tomato chutney and toppings on it. The diverse nationalities of Steveston’s residents and tourists who visit us from around the world inspired me to play with different flavours.”
John’s Pan Pizza offers a wide selection of choices from specialty vegetarian and meat, to seafood, vegan and classics, or you can create your own pizza. Some of the top-selling vegetarian selections include Margherita, Mediterranean, Pesto Supreme, Classic Veggie, and Eggplant Parmigiana. Paneer and tofu pizzas are also very popular.
Meat loving pizza fans are drawn to the JP Classic, Supreme, Sicilian Supreme, Chicken Alfredo, Pesto Chicken, Halla-kahiki Moa, and the Aloha Honolulu.
Pushpinder says, "We offer a gluten-free crust and try our best to accommodate various allergy concerns by taking extra precautions.”
This year Pushpinder has upgraded the equipment and storefront to offer a wider variety of by the slice selections.
“My passion to cook and feed is the driving force behind our business. I do not compromise on ingredients. The veggies that go on our pizzas must pass my quality test. We use a perfect blend of top-grade tomatoes, herbs, spices, and extra virgin olive oil to prepare our pizza sauce, and our customers love it,” he remarks.
Flatbreads were introduced to the menu in 2020. They have become a hit with those looking for a less cheesy and healthier lunch or dinner choice. Salads are also made fresh in-store daily.
“2020 presented a new set of challenges and financial hurdles. We pushed through it with the support of residents of the village and my family. With the blessings of Akal Purakh, we are confident we will continue to grow and improve. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated,” he comments.
“We gained thousands of new customers in 2020; they love our pizza flavours and combinations. Positive feedback through Google reviews and recommendations to friends means a lot to our business. I pay extra attention to negative feedback as it helps me find and fix the flaws. I try my best to follow up on all the feedback we receive,” he says.
Pushpinder is grateful for his customers and his good fortune in having found this community. He sees parallels between his former home in Sangrur and Steveston as both are small towns with nearby farmland.
He recently joined the Steveston Merchants Association to become further involved in this community.
“Steveston village is a little oasis in this big metropolitan area and it has a lot of small town character. The people are nice and appreciative. The chance to step out of the store and go for a stroll along the waterfront cannot be replaced by anything. I love the cozy feeling of Steveston,” Pushpinder concludes.
John's Pan Pizza
130-12420 No. 1 Road, Richmond BC V7E 6N2
Telephone 778-297-4404
www.johnspanpizza.com
