Lynsi's Local Beat: The Prairie Star Pizza Saga

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany’s Prairie Star has been serving up the trusty Hunt Brothers Pizza for several years, becoming a classic at meal time for many busy families. As of late, the oven has been getting too hot to handle making the pizza too cold to hold. Prairie Star Manager Shana Hogue said first it broke, and then it broke, and then it broke again. “Just makes me so crazy, I want to run into Main Street and scream,” said Hogue. Actually, she explained it is a little more complicated with it needing a new element the first time and a new insulation pack the second time. Pizza oven operator Natalin New said the third time it just got worn out from working so hard after all that time off.

However, better days are ahead for the store’s pizza lovers. Hogue explained that Hunt Brothers has picked the Albany Prairie Star to test out a top-of-the-line new pizza oven, due to store’s high volume of pizza sales.  “It will be the Lincoln Town Car of pizza ovens,” said Hogue. She added that a second oven will eventually be installed as well.

Albany Prairie Star, located at 225 Hill Street, serves pizza until 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ordering ahead by calling 325-762-6655 is preferred, as it takes 20 minutes for a full pizza to cook. Take and grab pizza, an array of convenient store items, and homemade sweet treats are also available during normal operating hours of 6:00 am to 9:00 p.m., closing at 8:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Of course, their grill is always working to cook up burgers, all the fried foods, and breakfast burritos. Call the store for available hours. Also, follow their Facebook page under Albany Prairie Star. Pay extra attention to all the comments. 

Not to be cheesy, but what kind of weirdough does not like pizza?