Dozens of area residents turned out Wednesday afternoon for the unofficial opening of Simple Simon’s Pizza at 30270 U.S. Highway 2 in Libby. Despite the to-be-expected delays and miscues that generally accompany opening nights at restaurants, the capacity crowd seemed pleased with the new dining spot’s food and service.

“It was wonderful,” said local businessman and newly-elected chamber of commerce president Jim Hayes.

The restaurant is owned and operated by husband and wife team Shawn and Shawna Purkeypyle, along with business partner Sean Adams. The trio also owns and operates a Simple Simon’s franchise in Thompson Falls.

“We came here because of the beauty of the place,” Shawn Purkeypyle said. “We wanted to help bring jobs to this town.”

Purkeypyle said the restaurant has hired 20 local employees.

The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of options, including pizza, sandwiches, appetizers and Simple Simon’s own “calizones.” 

At Wednesday’s event the pizza and calizones were flowing around the room and the patrons were obviously having a good time. One of the shop’s ovens broke, which caused some delays in getting food to the tables, but the delays didn’t adversely impact the enjoyment of the pizzas and calizones when they hit the tables.

“It was great pizza,” said local businessman Tom Gilmore.

The pizza and the environment offered by Simple Simon’s will provide a fun and tasty dining experience for area residents, which Purkeypyle said is their goal.

“We’re going to bring a quality product, competitive prices and friendly service,” he said. “I guess you could call it a hometown family atmosphere.”