Pugzie’s co-owner Lisa Pugliano-Wright and her daughter, Gina Wright, display some of the homemade treats that are a favorite of regular customers of the North Central Phoenix eatery (photo by Jan Jacobson).

Both Lynn and Lisa worked at prior area restaurants for many years, before opening up their own place. They were waitresses at Bill Johnson’s Big Apple on Van Buren. Lisa attended Arizona State University, where she studied business.

    “For us, it was hands-on learning more than school,” Lisa related. She credited her parents for not only helping her and Lynn with their initial financing, but also with providing them with words of wisdom over the years.

    “What has helped us to be successful is being owner-operators,” she added.

Thirteen years ago, they found themselves with no room to expand, and decided to purchase a 12,000-square-foot office complex adjacent to their property. They remodeled it into a restaurant with a similar décor and theme, with inside seating for 282 people. A drive-up window was added, along with an outdoor eating area with courtyard. The shaded exterior area seats about 75.  

    “We tripled our size and doubled our staff, but were only closed for five days,” recalls Lisa.

Both ladies are on premises working each day. Lisa handles the front of the restaurant, while Lynn and Lisa’s daughters work the drive through.

    “We provide fast service but not fast food. Everything is made fresh every day and we try to provide a good value for our customers,” Lisa noted.

    Throughout the years, Pugzie’s has served a menu of soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and pastas. All of their breads are delivered fresh each day. The made-on-premises cookies are the choice of many customers. They range from oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip to white chocolate chunk. There are also tasty cream cheese brownies and rice crispy bars.

    The chicken salad sandwich is a big favorite. It is made with fresh chicken breast, water chestnuts and pineapple and served in a pita. Customers really like the flavor of the tomato basil soup, but have a wide selection to choose from as five freshly made soups are served daily, along with a soup of the day. Among the latter are clam chowder, wedding soup, bakes potato and chicken with rice.

There also are daily sandwich specials, each served with a small salad, or you can choose to have half a sandwich and combine it with a salad or soup. You can call or fax ahead your order for box or bag lunches. Pugzie’s (a shortened version of the family name) also prepares gift baskets and trays for larger gatherings.

    Nearly three years ago the sisters added a gluten-free menu of soups, sandwiches and salads. The response has been very positive.

    Catering is available for office parties of 15 to 20 throughout the week and on weekends by request.

Pugzie’s Restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is

located at 4700 N. 16th St. You can call or fax in orders at 602-277-6017.