The Owners Of Milo's Pizza, A New Food Truck, Need Feedback

PARRISH, FL — As Robin Heywood and Dave Parker prepare to launch their new food truck, Milo’s Pizza, in January, they have a number of details to finalize. And they’re looking for feedback from Manatee County residents: Which logo do you prefer?

Heywood, the team’s social media expert, has shared two possible logos on Facebook, Nextdoor and other online forums, including Bradenton Patch’s Neighbor Posts, for feedback.

She said they’ll likely go with the logo with the black background as it’s “classier looking,” but they want to know what others think. Once they select their logo, it will be incorporated into the decorative wrap on their new food truck.

They’re also looking for taste testers to attend a special event ahead of their official opening. Those interested in participating in this taste test of their menu items should email customerservice@milospizzfl.com. Fifty people will be chosen for the event at random.

Milo’s Pizza got its start in 2009, when Parker opened a brick-and-mortar pizzeria in Columbus, Indiana. He also operated a second location in a local bowling alley there.

The restaurant was named after a dog he had adopted from an abusive situation. After his adoption, Parker bought a wheelchair for Milo, who had a broken back, to help him get around.

“He was always the happiest dog,” Parker said. “Even though he had a broken back, he was just happy to have a happy life. He was always a good dog.”

When the economy in Columbus, Indiana, faltered, he sold the business’ assets in 2013. He retained ownership of the business name and recipes, though, thinking he might one day open another pizzeria.

From there, he landed in North Carolina, where he met Heywood. He worked in real estate sales and she had a background in the mortgage industry. They both talked about one day working in real estate in Florida.

Heywood had lived in Hernando County for much of her life. When her grandson was born, both she and Parker decided to move to Manatee County not only to pursue their real estate careers, but so she could also be closer to her family. The good friends, who now called Parrish home, joined the local offices for RoseBay International as Realtors in 2018.

Since moving to Florida, Parker revived his dream of operating a pizzeria. Rather than a storefront though, he decided to launch a food truck and he brought Heywood into his plan.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

He missed the cheese-over pizza he knew from back home. This is what he plans on serving at Milo’s Pizzeria, which is “a little bit different style pizza” from what Floridians are used to.

He’s excited about their menu, which will stand out from other area restaurants. It will be one of few pizzerias that serve Bosco sticks, which are breadsticks stuffed with mozzarella, locally, he added.

They’re in negotiations with venues to set up Milo’s and they'll also be available for special events and festivals. And no matter where they’re operating from, their food can be ordered through the delivery service ChowNow, Heywood said.

They’re also already planning Milo’s expansion. While they’re keeping mum about future plans in the Manatee County area, Parker said they’ll be opening brick-and-mortar locations in and around Johnson City, Tennessee. Those will be run by his son when he is discharged from the military in about a year.

For now, they’re seeking public feedback on their logo and menu. Those interested in learning more can follow them on Facebook.