Leon’s Pizza first opened its doors 50 years ago today — March 14, 1972.

Originally from northeast Iowa, Leon Ott said he and his wife Lynn chose Webster City for their new restaurant for the small town feel where they could raise their children.

“It looked like a good town, so I came here,” he said. “It’s been really fantastic. The people here and from the surrounding areas have been very supportive through the years.”

Ott credits his family and staff members for the success of the business. Through the years, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Grant Simpson, have been instrumental in serving up the home-style food for which the restaurant is well known. Sandwiches, fish, spaghetti and many other items grace the menu, but pizza and chicken have been two of the more popular items.

The familiar blue awning greets customers who dine at Leon’s Pizza in downtown Webster City. The restaurant has been in business for 50 years, opening its doors on March 14, 1972.

“We’ve sold a lot of chicken … a lot,” he said. “And of course, pizza.”

The restaurant also has catered many different events through the years — bringing food to wedding receptions, banquets, corporate meetings and other events.

Even during the pandemic, Ott said the restaurant did a thriving business with carry-out and delivery. With the community members stuck at home during COVID-19 lockdown, the idea of having a fresh hot pizza or tasty sandwich delivered was appealing to many of the restaurant’s patrons. And it was also a great way to continue to support local businesses during a difficult time.

“Pick-up and delivery was really good for us,” he said.

Ott said the shutdown on indoor service during the pandemic also allowed him to do some remodeling and painting inside.

The restaurant owner said he’s had a lot of loyal customers throughout the years who continue to enjoy meals at Leon’s Pizza.

“It’s been so much fun. There’s so many good people in this world. We have a lot of people who travel from out of town on a regular basis to stop for lunch or dinner here,” he said. “We see people from Fort Dodge, Iowa Falls, Eagle Grove, Des Moines and other places.”