Chet & Matt's brings on Brian

PERKINS TWP. — As a young adult, Brian Schwab got his first taste of how a beloved, independently run pizza restaurant operates. And now — as an experienced entrepreneur who's since become a husband and father — he's returned to his working man roots, taking over a local institution where people enjoy flavorful foods while celebrating milestones and making memories there. Carving out his own slice of success In late 2025, Brian gained ownership of Chet & Matt's Pizza, 1013 E. Strub Road, Sandusky. It's located off Milan Road (U.S. 250) not far from the Sandusky Mall. Doing so fulfilled a full-circle moment for the area man. "I've worked in restaurants for 15 years, and one of them was for Chet & Matt's when I was 19, so I have a tie in there," said Brian, noting he served at the pizza restaurant for about two years. Brian underscored how his other non-restaurant roles — mostly in media and sales, including with Sandusky-based RestorePro — best prepared him for his latest venture. "My wife, Kelli, we've always dreamt of having our own restaurant one day, and we thought it was a pipe dream, that it would never really happen," said Brian, who resides in Perkins Township with his family. "But this popped up back in the summer, and there was an opportunity to buy it." Brian bought the restaurant from prior co-owners Ann and Todd Puckett. "We have been longtime friends, and they were ready to pass the torch," Brian said. "They did have a couple of different offers, and one of them, if they had accepted, would not be called Chet & Matt's anymore. They wanted to sell to someone local with restaurant experience who wanted to maintain this restaurant's legacy." In 2022, the Pucketts bought the restaurant from Chet & Matt's namesake founders: siblings Chet and Matt Leser. The Lesers founded the business in 1996. Both worked at Cameo Pizza for about 15 years beforehand as well. Even after Brian left Chet & Matt's, he helped the pair create those wacky yet memorable commercials playing on local cable TV stations often during broadcasts of sporting events. "There's even one featuring Chet and my entire family," said Brian, pointing out his daughters Jordyn, 16, and Zoey, 11.5. Brian learned many business skills and life lessons from the Lesers. Among them was prioritizing family both in the personal and professional senses. "I'm just really excited to be able to carry on the traditions here, and we hope that people feel like they are our family when they come through the door," said Brian, noting Jordyn helps out with varous tasks, and Zoey — who considers herself the restaurant's "boss" — wants to succeed her father and, one day, become Chet and Matt's next owner. The Lesers also showed Brian the value of being and staying committed. "You have got to put the work in to be successful," Brian said. "If you show that determination, then you can really accomplish anything." What's changing? What's staying the same? Simply put, Brian loves everything about Chet & Matt's: from the vibrant murals showcasing countless local celebrities and national personalities, to the plethora of sports memorabilia paying homage to area high schools and, last but not least, the food. "The pizza will be the same," Brian said. "We buy the same ingredients that the original owners did. I also have the same staff that has been here for as long as this place has been open to ensure quality control." Brian noted he plans on making a few small, new additions to the menu, like appetizers, sandwiches and burgers. "But I really want people to come in here and not even notice there was an ownership change," Brian said. "I don't believe in fixing something that isn't broken. If it's worked this well for 30 years, why change it?" Through Chet & Matt's Facebook page, Brian is bringing more attention to the restaurant's King Kong Challenge, recording all attempts of individuals or duos trying to conquer eating a mammoth 29-inch, two-topping pizza within a 30-minute time frame. Competitors get to choose their two toppings. "There has been a very low success rate," said Brian, adding how only 12 or so pairings have claimed victory, dating back to around 2000. Victors can take home $50 in cash, a coupon for another King Kong-sized pizza and two Chet & Matt's T-shirts. The original King Kong pizza, meanwhile, comes at no cost for finishers. Excited for a new era Other than Brian, many people look forward to this new era of Chet & Matt's. This would include two longtime employees who worked with Brian during his original tenure: • Courtney Merkel, a bartender, server and front-of-house office: "Brian's family has been very supportive and listens to us. That's what makes this more of a family restaurant. That's what I like about it here." • Pat Sprouse, carryout manager: "The people I work with are like my family. Brian, who's been my friend for many years, is a lot of fun to work with, and the restaurant is in good hands." Brian appreciates the kind words, which will motivate him to ensure Chet & Matt's success for many more years. "I'm just really excited to be able to carry on the traditions here," Brian said. "I'm always happy to see people who stop in after a baseball tournament or a basketball game or even for a birthday party or even just a regular Friday night: There's nothing like being out with your family or friends for some pizza with kids playing games in the back. It's just a happy place to be, and it makes me happy to be back here."