Matt Winters has worked in the restaurant industry for 23 years.
Jason Goetz, a longtime friend he met through business, had become a franchise owner of Stoner’s Pizza Joint and kept talking to him about taking that step.
“I decided to give it a try,” Winters said. “I wanted to bet on myself.”
The bet is to open Bradenton’s newest pizzeria. Stoner’s Pizza Joint, founded in Texas in 2013, began the expansion process in July, according to a news release.
The company announced it will increase its locations from 40 to 100 within 18 months. We have two locations in Hillsborough County.
And its latest expansion in Florida is in Bradenton, with a new store opening in January.
“We’ve had the sign up for a while, and everyone who came was so excited,” said Winters, the new Stoners owner.
Inside the pizzeria, there are playful references to the company’s “stoner” branding, including large letters on the walls that say “Legalize Marinara” and “Let’s Bake.”
Winters said nothing is frozen, the dough is made daily and the ingredients are fresh.
“We have the right dough recipes, sauces and cheese blends and offer some specialty pizzas,” he said.
In addition to pizza, Stoner’s also offers calzones, stromboli, hickory-smoked wings, salads, and desserts.
