Khaled (nicknamed Kay) and Zeina Abouseada opened for business about two weeks ago near the Kroger store in the former location of Pizza Hut.

Kay, who's originally from Egypt, operates the kitchen with his wife Zeina.

"Right now we're just in this location," he said. "Our recipe is from cousins who have a business in New York."

The nine-year Columbus resident said he offers customers fresh ingredients, making his own dough and sauce.

"It's fresh," Abouseada said. "This is our recipe. It's New York style because it's thin crust pizza, and it's baked in a stone pizza oven. It makes it very tasty."

He said the cuisine is mostly Italian and Greek.

The menu offers gyros with lamb, chicken or Shwarma, beef.

Todd McKenzie, who resides near Northridge High School, ate with his family at Mr. Pizza Plus for the first time last Wednesday afternoon.

He tried the generously-portioned super gyro with cheese.

"It's pretty good," he said. "We'll be back."

Abouseada consistently asks customers if they're satisfied with their menu selections, and he accepts their compliments with a smile.

He said most customers are pleased with whatever pizza they try.

Among specialty pizzas are Meat Pie Pizza, Taco Pizza, BBQ Chicken and Bacon, White Pie, Hawaiian Pie, Ex-Treme Vegi, Spinach Alfredo and the Mr. Pizza Deluxe, with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onion, green peppers and extra cheese. Pizza prices range from $12.99 for a 12-inch medium to $16.99 for a 16-inch extra large.

The menu also includes cheese, ham, chicken and pepperoni calzones as well as Stromboli, and chicken, mushroom or pepperoni rolls.

Abouseada said he prepares the 9-inch Italian Sub "the right way" with huge pieces of various kinds of meat.

"We don't heat it in a microwave," he added. "We put it on a grill. It's delicious. That's the Italian way."

Abouseada said he decided to bring his business to Johnstown for two reasons.

"Columbus is very, very crowded," he said. "There's no chance for a business. My wife and I decided to look for a new area for us. We got here and loved the people. They're very, very friendly. I love the people."

He previously operated a restaurant business for five years near state Route 161 and Cleveland Ave.

The Johnstown business currently has seven employees, including full- and part-time.

Abouseada said he's pleased business has been consistent during the first two weeks of operation.

"I was surprised," he said. "We've been very, very busy. It makes me very happy. I love success."

Mr. Pizza Plus is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In addition to inside seating, delivery is also available.