Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub: A Family’s Dream Baked to Perfection
When brothers Mike and Bob set out to open a restaurant, they didn’t have a concept. They had a dream—a long-standing family vision of a place where people could gather, share a meal, and feel at home. Today, Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the passion, perseverance, and the power of saying “yes” to the unknown.
A Name Born from Creativity. You won't get a typical answer if you ask Mike and Bob where the name “Wendy Puff” came from. It wasn’t a grandmother’s name or a tribute to an old friend. Instead, it was born out of a quirky song Bob wrote one day. “I was just messing around with lyrics and came up with this goofy little song that went ‘Wendy Puff, I’ve had enough,’” Bob recalls. “My family started singing it, and it stuck. When Mike moved back home, and we talked about opening a place, the name just felt right.”
That whimsical authenticity defines Wendy Puff, from its name to its menu to its atmosphere. “We didn’t want to be just another pizzeria. We wanted to create a space that reflects who we are—quirky, fun, and a desire to be authentic,” Mike says.
From an Idea to a Reality. The concept for the restaurant took shape in late 2022 when Mike’s daughter pointed out that a former coffee shop in Eureka was up for sale. “She knew we always talked about opening a restaurant, and she told me, ‘Dad, you should seriously think about it,’” Mike recalls. That was all it took. The brothers jumped headfirst, converting the old coffee shop into a cozy, inviting space. “We didn’t know what we were getting into,” Mike admits. “We just knew we had to do it.”
Bob, who had studied culinary arts in Switzerland and worked in high-end kitchens, brought the expertise. Mike, who works full-time at Caterpillar and has a background in communication and art, brought creativity and a focus on welcoming guests and ensuring they have a good experience. Together, they built something truly special.
A Family Affair. Wendy Puff is, at its core, a family business. Their mother helps in the kitchen once a week, and their younger sister manages their social media from Tennessee. Even their children are involved, gaining valuable experience while working in the restaurant.
But the family-first mentality extends beyond blood relatives. “We see our staff as family, too,” Mike says. “We want them to feel valued and empowered, whether they’re here for a summer job or looking to build a career.” With a team of about 12 employees—primarily part-time, including high school and college students—Wendy Puff has created an environment that’s as much about people as pizza.
Authenticity in Every Bite. One of Wendy Puff's distinctive features is its commitment to authenticity. The pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients—flour from Italy, cheese from Wisconsin, and meats from Chicago—and cooked in a dual-fuel wood and gas oven to 860 degrees.
“We don’t cut corners,” Bob says. “Our dough is hand-pressed, and you never know exactly what shape you’ll get—it’s a mystery every time. That’s part of the charm.” The menu reflects their creativity, with playful names and unexpected combinations. And while the pizzas are the star of the show, the pub side of the business offers a carefully curated selection of drinks to complement the food.
Facing Challenges Head-On. Starting a restaurant from scratch was no easy task. Mike had no restaurant experience and had to learn the industry on the fly. The brothers also took on significant financial risk, investing heavily in the venture.
But the hardest part? Saying yes. “The most difficult thing was committing to the idea,” Mike says. “Once we did that, we knew we’d face challenges, but we also knew we’d figure them out.” That mindset has carried them through construction delays, staffing challenges, and the everyday unpredictability of running a restaurant.
They credit the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), at Bradley University, and local mentors for helping them navigate the early days, especially when pitching for funding. “They connected us to the right people and gave us confidence in our plan,” Mike says. “That support made a huge difference.”
One of the first people who believed in their vision was Chris Youngmark of the Illinois SBDC. “Chris was among the first people to take us seriously,” Mike recalls. “When we were in the early stages and felt overwhelmed, he connected us to the right people and made us feel like we weren’t just two guys with a crazy idea. That kind of encouragement was huge.”
A Community Staple in the Making. Since opening in November 2023, Wendy Puff has quickly become a beloved spot in Eureka. Customers rave about the food, the atmosphere, and the welcoming energy. “We’ve had people tell us this is the best pizza they’ve ever had,” Mike says. “That blows our minds.” Regulars have turned the restaurant into a community hub, while newcomers arrive each week. “Food brings people together,” Bob says. “That’s what we always wanted—to create a space where people feel at home.”
Looking Ahead. While they’re still navigating what comes next, the brothers are exploring ways to grow the Wendy Puff brand without losing the heart of what makes it unique. That might mean expanding their merchandise line, exploring retail options, or diving into other creative ventures. “We don’t want to just open more locations and lose what makes us unique,” Mike says. “We’re figuring out how to scale in a way that stays true to who we are.”
One thing is sure: Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub is more than just a business. It’s a story of family, authenticity, and chasing a dream—even when you don’t have all the answers.
“Life sometimes requires you to just say yes,” Mike says. “And then figure the rest out as you go.”
Contact Info
(309) 304-1020
https://wendypuff.com/
IG: @wendypuffpizza
FB: https://www.facebook.com/wendypuffpizza
