New Era for Pizza 51: Founders Pass the Slice After 22 Years

Local foodie slice of life and a rare presser we think is worth sharing if only because it takes us back to our college years . . . 

After 22 Years, Pizza 51’s Founders Begin a New Chapter as They Transition to New Ownership 

KANSAS CITY, MO / OLATHE, KS — October 16, 2026 — After more than 22 years of serving the Kansas City community, Shannon and Jason Pryor are excited to announce the sale of Pizza 51, including both the original South Plaza location in Kansas City, Missouri, and Pizza 51 South in downtown Olathe, Kansas. 

The longtime owners are proud to pass along the opportunity to be part of these communities to new ownership, and they look forward to seeing both locations continue their journeys  in the years ahead.

When Jason and Shannon opened Pizza 51 in 2004, they transformed a former gas station near 51st and Oak streets into something a little different: a neighborhood pizza joint with a gas station-inspired identity.

This same spirit continuing the theme to serve from converted gas stations carried across the state line in 2011 with the opening of Pizza 51 West in Fairway and then again in 2025 with Pizza 51 South in downtown Olathe.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this community for more than two decades,” said Jason and Shannon Pryor. “When we started Pizza 51, we never could have imagined just how far down the road it would take us or how many people would be an integral part of it.”

Through the years, Pizza 51 has become a familiar stop for families and neighbors throughout the South Plaza and Brookside neighborhoods. Generations of University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and Rockhurst students have made Pizza 51 part of their college experience. In Olathe, Pizza 51 South has become part of the exciting revitalization of downtown, bringing its distinctive atmosphere and neighborhood spirit to another community.

Just as meaningful has been the opportunity to work alongside a multitude of employees from the neighborhood and local college communities. For many, Pizza 51 was a first job. For others, it’s been a place to learn responsibility, build friendships, gain confidence, and take additional steps into the working world. Watching employees grow up, graduate, build careers, and head down new roads of their own has been one of the most rewarding parts of being at the helm of Pizza 51.

“Selling Pizza 51 is certainly an emotional milestone after 22 years, but it is also an exciting one,” the Pryors said. “We are thrilled to see the energy, ideas, and vision that new ownership will bring to both locations, and we look forward to watching Pizza 51 continue to grow, create new memories, and travel many more miles with the people who make it special.”

Above all, the Pryors want to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported Pizza 51 since its conception.

“To every customer who stopped in for a quick lunch, brought the family in for dinner, celebrated a special occasion, or simply made us part of their regular routine — thank you!  To the employees who worked a shift, stayed for years, helped train the next generation, and made Pizza 51 what it is — thank you!

“For 22 years, you’ve helped make the journey worthwhile; thank you for riding along with us. Wherever the road leads next, we hope you’ll always remember to Take the High Road.”
#######