Remember the incredible story in PMQ's Fall '98 issue, when we reported on America's busiest pizzeria? Sales were averaging over $100,000 per week. John Schnatter, founder of Papa John's remembers. He was so impressed, he asked, and got, permission from PMQ to reprint the story so it could be sent to each franchisee and key members of corporate management.

Much of the sales increase is a result of an enlargement of the store, giving a whole new look to the front. It is no surprise to us that Buffalo's La Nova Pizzeria sales continue to climb. So much so that the Todaros finally decided to open another location. It will be on Main Street in nearby Amherst, New York. They also have a full-service store opening in one of the local Tops supermarkets. Tops is the local supermarket giant with 39 other locations in the Buffalo area, all of which sell La Nova's Wings and pizza. And no, these sales don't count against the $100,000+ a week sales at their original location.

"Sales are still rockin'," says Joey Todaro, the youngest of three Joe Todaros that you'll find there on any given day. Yes it does take all three, Joey, Joey's father (Joe), and grandfather (Papa Joe) plus his sister Carla to make it all work. Joey does not spend as much time in store operations as he once did. The La Nova Wings side of the business is taking all of this time, except when he needs to help out during an unexpected dinner rush. "We are growing like crazy and it's all non-stop," says Joey. Sales last time we visited were $15 million a year. Now, La Nova's Wings are taking in $25 million in annual sales. "People tell us all the time," says Joey, "It's amazing what you guys can do out of an old gas station."