Hollister pizza place to open second restaurant in Ozark

Hollister restaurant Hook & Ladder Pizza Co. plans to open a second shop in Ozark at a retail and business center owned by businessman Doug Pitt.

David Herd, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Heather, said the owners want to open the new eatery at South Pointe Center by the end of May, timing with the three-year anniversary of its downtown Hollister eatery.

“We just had such a great turnout and experience in Hollister and the Branson area,” Herd said. “Our whole idea is to grow this concept and we felt like it would be a good idea to move north and still be within a close proximity where we could keep an eye on it as we’re refining our model.”

A volunteer firefighter in the Hollister area, Herd said the themed restaurant promotes the profession and volunteerism in general.

“People can volunteer in a lot of different ways. I just happen to be a firefighter,” Herd said, noting the owners bought a second fire truck for promotion and catering purposes in the Ozark market.

Herd said the 4,500-square-foot Ozark restaurant on West South Street would employ up to 25, joining the 13 working in Hollister. He declined to disclose lease details at the center, which also houses the Ozark Chamber of Commerce and others.

“Doug has been tremendous to work with and also the chamber of commerce has been very helpful. The city has been very open-armed,” Herd said.

Hook & Ladder Pizza creates its own pizza dough and sauce and also sells subs and salads.