The 'Best' pizza 'O-round'

DANBURY TWP. — Two spouses promise an A-plus experience for customers who dine at their new restaurant, Best O's Pizza. Anthony and Laurie Best recently opened the eatery, 1470 South Danbury Road (Ohio 269) in the greater Port Clinton area. It's located beside The Watering Hole at Monsoon Lagoon right off Ohio 2. "This has always been a dream for us," said Laurie, who grew up in Lakeside and moved back, with Anthony, to the Marblehead area, from Sandusky, about 25 years ago. Both Anthony and Laurie made countless trips past the storefront — a former home to a bakery, shirt shack and even a pizza parlor — envisioning they could run a successful business there. "This has been the spot I've wanted for 15 years," said Anthony, who's also a sales manager at Foster Chevrolet Cadillac in Sandusky. "That's how long I've wanted to do this." Anthony boasts an extensive background in the food and beverage industry. For starters, in the 1970s, he worked with his dad, Rodger, when the elder Best opened Mecca Dairy Bar in Sandusky. "At 13, I delivered pizzas on a moped," said Anthony, who also helped operate pizza places in Bellevue and Attica. "I learned from my dad that it was important to have a good product and consistency and, just as importantly, take care of the customer." But Best O's represents the first venture to which Anthony along with Laurie can lay an ownership claim to. "There are not a lot of pizza places around here, and not too many places offer deliveries for locals. But we are, and it's something we know that is needed here," Laurie said. "We are in the perfect location, right of the highway exit, and we are seen by so many people." Best O's offers pizzas, foldovers, calzones, wings, salads, subs and more. People can order those foods whether it's dine-in, carryout or delivery. "We have been getting some good reviews so far," Laurie said. "People like it. We are going to try and go out of our way to make sure everyone is satisfied and happy with our product." The Bests credit their team — including their son, Cody, a main point person at the restaurant — for helping them get established. "I love this place," Cody said. "I'm helping my parents' dream come true." Cody's parents appreciate the kind words. "We have a great crew," said Laurie, noting she and Anthony also have two daughters: Hayley and Whitney. They welcome people to come visit Best O's, which operates from 4-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 4-8 p.m. on Sundays. Hours could expand once the spring and summer seasons arrive. "This will be the best pizza you've ever had," Anthony said. What's in a name? Here's an explanation of the meaning behind Best O's Pizza's name: • Best — for the last name of spouses Anthony and Laurie • Os — a nod to Laurie's maiden name, Oglesbee • Pizza — the flagship food product at their new restaurant