San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce

Most entrepreneurs buy businesses as an investment or to fulfill a dream, but instead of future monetary gain or to satisfy a desire to create San Tan Valley's perfect pizza, John Akers purchased Mama Nina's Pizza and Wings as a gift. Mama Nina is an actual person and a physical therapist who helped Akers escape a wheelchair and walk again after an accident several years ago.

Seeking the opportunity to help a friend, Akers leased the building at 5452 E Skyline Drive in San Tan Valley last November, purchased the existing pizza business, added new equipment, roofed the patio and added a fresh coat of paint, included Wings to the menu and named the new establishment after 'Mama' Nina.

"I leased the building and re-branded the business as a surprise for her," Akers explained. "Eventually, I will turn the place over to her as thanks for everything she has done for me."

A longtime veteran of corporate America, Akers worked in manufacturing consulting in Colorado where he owned his own business. After selling and moving to Arizona, he purchased a dental equipment repair business before retiring in 2000. The restaurant business may be new to Akers but knowing a good slice of pizza takes  little training.

I liked the pizza here and went on a quest to try other varieties but never found anything I thought measured up," Akers said. "It is definitely the quality of our pizza that sets us apart."

Based on his own experiences recovering from injury, Akers is drawn to organizations that help others in need. A percentage of Mama Nina's profits will be designated to the Wounded Warrior Project assisting injured service members make the transition from active duty to civilian life. It was the same call to give back that drew Akers to the San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce.

"I want to contribute to the community and really get to know San Tan Valley and be here to watch it grow."

For more information on Mama Nina's Pizza and Wings. Call 480-677-2777, or visit www.mamaninaspizza.net.

ABOUT THE SAN TAN VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

Established in 2005, The San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote and support the San Tan-area business community.   To do this we promote the Chamber and our member businesses, while also providing the tools and resources our members need to grow their business.  The San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce has an After Hour Mixer the second Thursday of every month from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at various locations and a General Membership Meeting the fourth Thursday of every month from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. at the SRP Service Center.  Please come as a guest and see what the San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce can do for you and your business.  For more information, visit http://www.SanTanChamber.com, or call 480-626-7757.