"God Needs Pizza Men Too:" The Story of Pizza Gallery Viera

How faith transformed a local entrepreneur's understanding of business, hospitality and ministry

If you've ever been browsing through the shops at The Avenue in Viera, a yellow sign reading "Pizza Gallery & Grill" may have caught your attention. For anyone craving a specialty pizza, pasta, or sandwich—well, this is the perfect spot for you. I had the privilege of meeting restaurant owner Chris Conneen to discuss the God story behind his restaurant and how "Food Becomes Art" at the Pizza Gallery.

The Creative Start

At 20 years old, Conneen was managing a Domino's Pizza in Gainesville, Florida. Under his leadership it became one of the most successful Domino's franchises in the country. But despite the growing success, there was one thing that continued to bother him: franchises were standardized. He had little opportunity to exercise his creativity.

Growing up in a family of artists who encouraged and cultivated creativity, Conneen naturally sought out his own creative outlet. But he wouldn't find it in traditional art forms such as painting, drawing, or sculpting. Instead, he forged his own path in culinary art.

While working at Domino's he loved to experiment with new ingredients and combinations to make unique pizzas. So with a vision to combine art and gourmet pizza, Conneen opened Pizza Gallery in downtown Melbourne in 1989.

Today, the art theme extends throughout the restaurant. Pizzas are served on an artist's palette, kids draw on the walls to express their own creativity, and the signature menu offers more than 2 million combinations of pizzas.

No, that wasn't a mistype. The menu literally offers 2 million combinations!

A Journey of Faith

Conneen said that, as a young entrepreneur, his ambition was built on self-reliance. He was raised in church, but it was not until he faced personal challenges that his faith began to deepen. Conneen learned to develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Now celebrating 30 years of sobriety, he reflects on this season as a time when he learned who Jesus was and began reading the Bible himself.

"In 1996, my pastor at Suntree United Methodist invited me to the Global Leadership Summit in Chicago. It was an amazing experience where I felt God's presence so strongly," Conneen said.

Conneen returned with a deeper faith, and said he felt a strong calling to sell his restaurant and pursue a future in ministry. While discussing this plan with his pastor, the pastor's wife, Judy Spencer, interjected. "God needs pizza men too, Chris," she told him. It would prove to be a life-shaping statement.

Her point was that Chris did not have to be a pastor to serve God in mighty ways. Working in a pizza restaurant provided opportunities to share the gospel in ways that working in a church could not. Maybe this was exactly what God wanted Chris to do—glorify His name through his gift of hospitality, serving others, and creating pizzas that bring people joy and bring them together in fellowship.

With this in mind, Chris decided to keep the restaurant. He gathered accountability partners and signed a covenant giving the business to God.

"I have an official title as owner of Pizza Gallery, but my role is to steward what God has gifted me," Chris said.

Hospitality Ministry

Today, as the owner of both Pizza Gallery and neighboring restaurant 28 North, Conneen views his customers and staff as his ministry. He leads by example, showing others who are enduring trials that there is always hope.

One example came when a staff member shared a photo celebrating her one-year sobriety medallion with her dad and thanked him for his influence.

"That trumps all the bad days," Conneen said.

Still, the journey has not been easy. COVID-19 hit the hospitality industry hard, and growing competition among restaurants in Viera continues to cut into both restaurants' market share. Yet, Conneen chooses faith over anxiety.

"I lean into faith instead of worrying or stressing," he said.

Understanding how difficult the hospitality industry can be, Conneen founded the nonprofit organization Hospitality Life with fellow business owner and friend Buz Underill. Underill is the founder of Squidlips, and the two share a passion for people and the restaurant industry. With a mission of "Serving Those Who Serve," Hospitality Life is a nonprofit that supports people working in hospitality, providing resources such as local workshops, community events and financial assistance.

"The mission of Hospitality Life is to equip hospitality workers to have a more Christ-like abundant life," Conneen said.

A Little "Slice" of Heaven

If you are seeking opportunities to get connected with the local community, there are many things happening at Pizza Gallery. Conneen's friend Daryl Foster began a weekly men's Bible study that meets at the restaurant.

"Every Friday morning at 6:15am, we have men gather in fellowship to pray and read through Transforming Man—a book written by Church at Viera pastor Jay Austin," Conneen said.

The early morning gathering ranges from teenagers to older men and breaks into small groups. Conneen credits the group with growth in his own faith, a passion for men's ministry, and a display of true accountability and vulnerability among brothers.

Proverbs 27:17 is their guiding verse:

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

"We can't do this life alone, and we were never meant to," Chris said.

The restaurant also hosts women's Bible studies and events for the whole family, including Monday Fun Runs, Early Bird Trivia Tuesdays and Weekend Worship Nights. Every Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm, there is live music on the patio stage. Events are posted on the Pizza Gallery website.

A Final Note

With more than 35 years in the industry, Conneen can now reflect on and appreciate the journey of both his faith and ministry.

"When it comes down to what matters most, it is all about priorities," Conneen explained. "There was a time when my business was my identity. Now, I know it is God first, my wife and family are second, and then it is my work."

He encourages others to define their priorities and live them out in that order.

"Whatever you do, do it with all of your heart, as if working for the Lord" — Colossians 3:23

It is through testimonies from business owners like Chris Conneen that I am reminded of how God has a specific purpose for all people to glorify His name through their work. This is a simple truth, but especially during trials, transition or uncertainty, it can feel very complicated. We can often find ourselves asking if we are making the right decisions or making an impact.

Conneen reminds us that, "Whether you are an artist, engineer, hairstylist, etc., you can do ministry in every walk."

Just as God needs pastors on Sunday mornings, He also needs people to share the gospel at work on Monday morning. God needs insurance agents. God needs bank tellers. God perfectly designs us with unique gifts and desires us to enjoy our work and love the people around us.

The next time you find yourself craving a pizza, check out the local Pizza Gallery and remember—God needs pizza men, too.

At a Glance

— Isabel Gray is a Jesus-loving coastal cowgirl from the heart of Kentucky who finds joy in loving God's people, experiencing His Creation, and writing stories that need to be told.