Ep. 79 - The Story Behind Pedaler’s Pub

Ever wonder what it takes to build a restaurant that becomes a beloved community staple? Kevin from Pedaler's Pub joins the B-Team Podcast to share the remarkable journey of transforming from school teacher to successful restaurateur.Kevin's story is refreshingly genuine – starting with a homemade wood-fired pizza oven on a trailer where he perfected recipes before taking the entrepreneurial leap. His philosophy is beautifully simple: serve good food at fair prices, stay open later than everyone else, and maintain unwavering quality. This approach has created not just a restaurant, but a Bentonville institution that recently expanded from 2,500 to 9,000 square feet while keeping its original charm and character.What truly sets Pedaler's apart is the incredible team Kevin has assembled. In an industry notorious for turnover, his general manager has been there since day one, eleven years ago. His bar manager? Ten years. As Kevin puts it with characteristic straightforwardness, "You can't suck and work here." This commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of the business, from their meticulously crafted wood-fired pizzas (where the oven operator serves as "the quarterback" of the entire kitchen) to their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.The expanded location holds some delightful surprises too – like a full golf simulator room available for private rental, pool tables with ample space, and plans for a future patio. Kevin walks us through the challenges of maintaining pizza perfection when cooking with wood fire, the careful decisions behind menu evolution, and why their branded take-home cups have become collectors' items around town.Whether you're a longtime Pedaler's fan or haven't yet experienced their chicken bacon ranch pizza (a kitchen staff favorite) or their legendary wood-fired spinach artichoke dip, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart and soul of a restaurant that embodies the best of Bentonville's dining scene.Head to 500 South Main Street to experience Pedaler's Pub for yourself, or follow them online to learn more about their story, menu, and special offerings. Your new favorite pizza place (and so much more) is waiting!