Photo provided
Krueger eighth grader Lawrence Patrick (right) helps a customer at Pizza Stop, a Michigan City pizzeria owned by his parents, Felisha Sanders and Marcus Scully.
KMS student Lawrence Patrick gives his all at family’s pizzeria
By A’Naria Williams
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – ¨How old are you? Are you even supposed to be here?¨
This is commonly asked to 14-year-old Lawrence Patrick. Lawrence, a Krueger Middle School student (and soon to be alumnus), works at his family’s business, Pizza Stop in Michigan City. It was formerly known as Pi City. He is among the youngest at the restaurant.
“My favorite thing is probably being able to help customers and being back to cook for customers,” Lawrence said.
His parents, Felisha Sanders (his mother) and Marcus Scully (his stepfather), established Pi City around the time of the Coronavirus pandemic. Lawrence said they had some business issues and changed the name to Pizza Stop accordingly.
In November 2023, Lawrence started working at Pizza Stop part time, both after school and on the weekends. Lawrence interacts with customers, takes orders and works as a cashier. He also answers phones, cleans and closes at the end of any shift that his schedule allows.
¨You just do what you’re needed to do,¨ Lawrence said.
Sanders said Lawrence has gained many attributes working there, like socialization and professionalism. Lawrence is really hard working, and he is an adamant and tactical worker.
¨He comes in and everybody knows when he’s there, he’s there to work,¨ Sanders said.
Prior to being in his position, Lawrence had trouble understanding why the dining experience took as long as it did. This job gave him a deeper notion of what was going on behind the scenes.
“Now it’s starting to (be) understandable because some chefs want everything to be perfect,” he said.
Lawrence went on to say how this job has helped him deal with tense situations in the workplace.
“Just (learning) how to keep calm and calm the customer down, that has helped me a lot,” he said.
While Lawrence’s parents want him to take over the restaurant one day, he commends them for starting this business.
“I do (feel proud),” Lawrence went on to say. “Because not many people are lucky enough for their parents to own a business.”