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After a delay that lasted a few belly-grumbling months, Hungry Howie's Pizza is now open for business on Church Street just a block from Uptown Park.

While the business put its first pizza in the oven on Feb. 9, owner and manager Brandon Buckley, says that once the weather improves Howie's plans on celebrating with a ribbon cutting and official grand opening.

"Business has been good so far considering that there's no advertising," Buckley says of the first few weeks of pizza production.

Buckley said that even during the first week of business when the telephone number for Hungry Howie's was virtually impossible to find, pizza patrons still ventured their way to 11 W. Church St. to try out "the original flavored crust pizza."

While Oxford residents still may be unaware of what Hungry Howie's has to offer, many Miami University students are familiar with the sight of Howie's bright yellow pizza box—an "excellent marketing tool" of the Hungry Howie's Franchise according to Buckley.

Hungry Howie's signature flavored crust coming in eight different flavors from garlic to Cajun, is just one way to spice up your ordinary pizza order. Hungary Howie's also offers two types of sauces, and unique calzone-style sub sandwiches. Also on Howie's menu are salads, chicken wings, cheesy bread and breadsticks.

Buckley believes he has found a good niche in Oxford and sees a lot of possibility for growth here. "It's hard to get tired of (Hungry Howie's) because there's so many options," Buckley said of the menu variety.

With a great location uptown Hungry Howie's has been pulling in business steadily during its hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

"We run good late-night deals and sell pizza by the slice at night," Buckley said.

Buckley has even noticed individual customers ordering for lunch, and then returning later that night to curb the insatiable Howie's hunger.

Though it may seem like the Oxford pizza market is already flooded with options, Buckley is confident that Hungry Howie's will have success, especially in a college town.

"I know La Rosa's is strong in the greater Cincinnati area, and Bruno's has a long tradition of pizza in Oxford, but with our product, I think we can compete with anything," Buckley said.

Buckley, who also owns a Hungry Howie's in Athens, Ohio, credits Howie's success to good quality ingredients and attention to detail.

"We don't skimp on the toppings," Buckley said. "You get what you pay for."

Buckley, who attended Ohio University, worked to own his own business directly after graduation. Partnering with one of his friends and contacting Hungry Howie's corporate franchise office, Buckley opened his Athens store in June of 2004. This store is currently on of the top sellers out of over 550 Hungry Howie's establishment nationwide. Buckley expects similar success for his Oxford store once things are in full swing.

Buckley also prides himself on a dedication to the communities in which he operates. Through Hungry Howie's in Athens, Buckley is able to support local schools and churches by donating pizzas to charitable causes and sponsoring community events. Hungry Howie's has been readily involved in Relay for Life and in local homeless shelters in Athens, and Buckley looks forward to exploring community involvement in Oxford in the coming months.

"I like to work with the community because the community is here year round," said Buckley of college towns. "It's about good business and enjoying what you do in helping a community."