After 45 years, Dave’s Place in Leslie shutting down

by Tina Cole-Mullins

Dave’s Place, one of the oldest independently owned businesses within the Leslie community for decades, may soon be closing as its owner makes plans for retirement.

“Some say 45 years making pizza is nuts, but I have enjoyed it and all the people,”
owner Dave Southwick said while reminiscing.

Retirement and leaving the pizza restaurant brings mixed feelings for the longtime business owner.

“It’s hard to stop doing what you love,” he said.

But at age 76, Southwick has spent more than half his life running the business.

“Retirement is not what I necessarily want at this time, but my wife says it’s time,” he said.

Southwick grew up in Leslie and  graduated in the Class of 1965. After serving in the Air Force, he returned to his hometown and previous job at Oldsmobile.

In his late 20s and 30s, Southwick started working the night shift as the adult in charge at the West Side Deli in Mason. His employer told him Jerry Bachman, of MJ Pizza in Leslie, had put his shop up for sale and thought it would be a great opportunity.

Dave’s Place opened in 1978. Southwick originally planned to call the pizza place Di’s Pies in honor of his wife, who worked alongside him for 12 years before taking another job.

Longtime customers of Dave’s Place will definitely miss their favorite pizza spot.  Lesley (Messner) Washer remembers Dave’s Place from her 1980s childhood in Leslie.

“We would get it (pizza) like once a month,” she said. “And yes, it was a treat. We didn’t get pizza all the time as a kid like we do now.”

In an online review, Dave’s Place customer Kerstyn Tortelli praises the restaurant for its “good food, great people.” She recommends trying the cinnamon breadsticks because they’re “so yummy!”

“Dave’s Place is great; the people that run it are super friendly and helpful even when you don’t know what you want,” Tortelli wrote. “First time I went I fell in love with the pizza sub and pickle chip deal. I love their food when I’m on the run or in the mood to sit and chill.”

Southwick credits his employees for the success of his business.

“I have had some great kids work for me throughout the years,” he said. “Without the kids, I wouldn’t have made it. Like Donnica here.” Southwick then gestured to his employee working with him that day. “She has been with me for the past 13 years.”

When asked about his retirement plans upon the sale of the business, Southwick said Oct. 15 will be his 57th  wedding anniversary. He and his wife always spend their anniversary in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and at Mackinac Island.

“So our plans are to continue traveling all over Michigan,” he said.

Those who have never been to Dave’s Place and would like to try the food,  or those who would like to wish Southwick a happy retirement, make sure to stop in soon before he bids a fine farewell to the area.

“Thanks to all my employees and customers, ” he said. “We would have not made it without you. I would not have been a success.”

Dave’s Place owner Dave Southwick proudly displays the Leslie All-Time Business Tournament Award won by his business. The honor was voted on by the community.

A “for sale” sign is posted in the window of Dave’s Place, 108 E. Bellevue Road in Leslie. Dave Southwick, owner of the business since 1978, plans to retire.