Joe Walker’s journey from selling insurance to opening a successful restaurant is truly inspiring. Struggling financially, Joe sought a $5,000 loan from his father, a farmer in southeast Kansas, to start a new venture—a restaurant. Partnering with his brother-in-law’s restaurant franchise, Joe opened his first pizza restaurant in Shawnee, Kansas, on Nieman Road in the old McAnany home in May of 1969.
Despite the initial hurdles, Joe’s dedication and hard work paid off, and his restaurant became successful over the years. Eventually, he moved to a larger, self-owned location at 60th & Nieman, marking a significant milestone in his journey toward creating a better life for his family. Joe’s story is a testament to perseverance, family support, and the pursuit of better opportunities.