Michael Durkin, who opened his first restaurant in 2008 and recently opened a third location in Frisco, built his business philosophy through hands-on experience. Growing up in Plano, he worked at a local pizza restaurant. After graduating from Texas Tech University with a business degree, he worked at Hard Rock Café and in what he describes as “semi-fine dining.”
The pizzas feature dough that is made fresh daily.[/caption]“I knew what I wanted at age 15,” he said. “I quickly realized I loved the activity of the restaurant business. Even if it was busing tables, I could see how the customers were enjoying themselves, and I was able to participate in that.”
Durkin’s experience and business plan convinced his investors, who are mostly in real estate and are still with him today. The first location opened in May 2008 on University Drive in McKinney.
His goal was to bring back original pizza restaurants. That means Durkin’s Pizza does not rely on delivery or entertainment within the restaurant.
Durkin said if customers go to his restaurant, they sit down and order a customized pie.
The menu includes spaghetti and lasagna ($7 each). Six salads are available and each can be served with chicken added. A meatball sub ($6.50) and a calzone ($7) are also available.
Salad, sandwiches and calzones are also on the menu.[/caption]If there is a signature or specialty, it’s the P.T.S.—Pizza Topping Sandwich ($6.50). The 7-inch hoagie roll is topped with a house pizza sauce and mozzarella with a choice of any four regular toppings.
The pizzas feature dough that is made fresh daily. Sizes include 10-inch ($5.99), 14-inch ($10.99) and 16-inch ($12.99) options. A 10-inch pizza with a gluten-free crust ($8.49) is also available, as are toppings ($1) and premium toppings ($2), which include bacon, chicken, meatballs and anchovies.
Part of the legacy of Durkin’s Pizza is that some of the current employees were in third grade when they were some of the restaurant’s first customers.
Hunter Hameister, who attends Frisco Liberty High School, is one of Durkin’s 45 employees, working as a kitchen manager.
“It was in our neighborhood, and we’d go every couple of weeks,” said Hameister, who has worked at Durkin’s for three years. “It wasa cool place to hang out—great pizza, music, decor. The biggest reason I like working there is that it’s a local restaurant that feels like it’s part of the community.”
Hameister said he is learning how business works and that Durkin’s business plan provides a great lesson plan for future entrepreneurs.“I like it when I hear people say, ‘Hey, let’s go get a Durkin’s,’” Durkin said. “When people come to our restaurants, I want to provide joy, make it to be one of the best parts of their day.”
Durkin's Pizza
8930 Highway 121, Ste. 594
972-727-8400
www.durkinspizza.com
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
2014 W. University Drive, Ste. 310
972-540-9888
www.durkinspizza.com
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
