GRANVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — This October, a family-owned business that has grown from humble beginnings into a beloved local institution known for its quality food and welcoming atmosphere is celebrating a milestone anniversary. Elm’s Pizza Parlor, located at 113 E. Elm St., marks four decades of serving fresh, handmade pizza to the Granville community. 'Insect alert:' Experts warn trio of bugs could soon 'flood' Ohio homes In an email to NBC4, Josh Petersen, the owner’s nephew, shared the history and highlights of the shop's 40 years in business. “We’ve been a core staple of the Granville community, serving Granville High School, Denison University, Olympic athletes, famous musicians, and our friends and neighbors,” wrote Peterson. Since opening in 1984, the pizzeria has stood out with its scratch-made thin-crust pizzas and homemade lasagna. It has always been a family-run operation, with every member of Bernie and Hilah Williams’ family contributing to its success. Over the years, the restaurant has hosted numerous events, from weddings and birthday parties to music concerts and sports gatherings. Elm’s Pizza Parlor (Photo Courtesy/ Josh Peterson)Elm’s Pizza Parlor (Photo Courtesy/ Josh Peterson)Elm’s Pizza Parlor (Photo Courtesy/ Josh Peterson)Elm’s Pizza Parlor (Photo Courtesy/ Josh Peterson)Elm’s Pizza Parlor (Photo Courtesy/ Josh Peterson)Elm’s Pizza Parlor (Photo Courtesy/ Josh Peterson) “Friday nights after a Blue Aces game or Saturdays during Buckeyes football season are especially lively,” Petersen said. “There’s always a buzz of excitement, and it’s a feeling we’re proud to keep alive.” The connection between Elm’s Pizza and the Granville community extends beyond dining. For many locals, the parlor is not just a restaurant, but a place where memories are made and neighbors gather. The atmosphere has made it a regular spot for police, firemen, sports teams, and even an Olympic athlete. “Our family members have helped make Elm's a cornerstone of tradition here,” Petersen noted. “It’s been amazing seeing how our local spot has touched so many lives.” List: 2024 Trick-or-Treat dates, times in central Ohio Elm’s Pizza Parlor's history stretches long before it became a restaurant. In 1936, Luther Hudson “Hud” Williams established a Chevrolet dealership in the same building. The dealership remained a family business until 1963 when Hud died. The family leased out the space for years while Bernie, Hud’s son, became a successful car salesperson to support his six children. The family’s path changed dramatically after a 1981 plane crash involving Bernie and his son Doug left them with major injuries. Searching for a new way to support the family, Bernie’s wife, Hilah, saw an opportunity to turn the former car showroom into a pizzeria, inspired by relatives already in the pizza business. Three years later, in 1984, the family opened Elm’s Pizza Parlor, transforming a site once known for car sales into a landmark for food and community. “Actually, Hilah almost named the restaurant 'Show Room Pizza' because where the business now stood used to be the showroom floor for the car dealership 31 years before,” Peterson explained. “Then there was the idea of naming it 'Elm's Street Pizza,' which Hilah did not want because the horror movie, 'Nightmare on Elm Street' had just been released earlier that year.” Now on its 40th anniversary, the family is looking back and thanking everyone who has contributed to its success. “Our journey has been one of overcoming tragedy and becoming a local landmark,” Petersen said. “We’re grateful for everyone who’s been part of our story and supported us over the years.”