GeoJohnz Pizza

Zaimes old pizza, in a new location...  

GeoJohnz is open in downtown Muscatine

 

If you were a fan of Hawkeye Pizza and Steak House in West Liberty, then, you've probably missed owner George Zaimes' pizzas and menu. But, by the way he talks about his new Muscatine establishment, many of his former customers have found his new home.  

 

On Dec. 2, Zaimes opened GeoJohnz at 203 E. Second St. in downtown Muscatine. He said the first day's business was fine, but once people heard he had opened another restaurant, the seats were consistently occupied.

 

"From Facebook and word-of-mouth, it was incredible [how much business we had]," Zaimes said.

 

After he closed the West Liberty location in 2011 — a restaurant that was open for 21 years — he said he always had an eye to open another restaurant in Muscatine. Not only did he grow up in Muscatine, but his father had a pizza place from 1976-1984, John's Pizza, right across the street from his current location.

 

"We've got a really good reputation from Hawkeye [Pizza] and from my dad's old pizza place," Zaimes said.

 

He explained the two year gap between establishments as him being a perfectionist. He said he wanted everything to be "just right" before opening. Even now, Zaimes still calls the opening a "soft opening" because he wants to eventually add more to the menu. Right now, he just offers pizza and alcohol.

 

"I want to get a few more things done but we've just been busy," Zaimes said.

 

"I thought I could just jump in and start it up but it just got delayed."

 

Currently the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. seven days a week. Customers can dine in or opt for delivery.

 

The important thing to Zaimes, though, is the quality of service.  "Everything has been better than my expectations and I want the service we provide to customers to stay good," Zaimes said.