Craving some pizza? LoSeCa may just have what you need.
The local, non-profit organization, known for working with disabled individuals in the community, is starting a new business called Street Pizza. They plan on serving the popular dish at farmers' markets and events throughout the region.
The pizzas will be homemade and come fresh out of the oven, said employment coach Stacey Anderson.
"One of our staff loves to cook. And this was something he had looked at doing for himself at the time and then he brought it to our attention," she said. "Hopefully we will also be able to get our own garden going and grow some of our toppings."
Most of the toppings, such as the meat and tomato sauce, are purchased at the Italian Shop in Edmonton. The dough is made in LoSeCa's kitchen, as is the cheese, which they prepare from a kit.
The 10-inch pizza is then cooked at 400 degrees in a small, outdoor oven and will be sold with a pop for about $8.50. Different flavours are still being tested, said Anderson.
"We are working on a topping list so you can choose different toppings and customize your pizza," she said. "We are just finalizing our taste test. Plus we are trying to get all the staff trained."
Street Pizza is not the first business venture LoSeCa has embarked on.
In early December, the agency started the snow plowing and lawn-care business, 4 Season's Yard Care. Anderson said the demand for the service was so great, they couldn't keep up with it.
Now that the snow has melted, the company is booking jobs for the summer. Four Season's offers everything from mowing, raking, cleaning and plant watering services.
"We will also try landscaping some of the LoSeCa houses and practicing to lay down soffits," she said.
Employment needed
Creating employment for the individuals they are working with is important, especially now that the government has cut their funds, said Anderson.
Through the new businesses, they receive a stable income, she said.
They also gain new experience, like Scott Vodola, who is employed with both the pizza and lawn-care business. He's excited to start serving pizza, and learning from the job, he said.
"I think it's very important because it helps my communication skills, and helps me learn how to work with others," he said. "And I guess that's something I need to work on a little bit."
Street Pizza will employ about four people on a regular basis, possibly more depending on how busy it gets.
The business is expected to start selling at the end of May, and is now applying for a stand at the Morinville Farmers' Market on Fridays and the downtown Edmonton one on Saturdays.
The St. Albert Farmers' Market was already booked out, said Anderson.
Once the business gets going, they may also sell frozen, take-home pizzas at the LoSeCa location in Campbell Business Park, she added.
"We are just starting off slow with this one and we'll see where it takes us," she said.
To contact LoSeCa about the businesses, call 780-984-9700.
