A family tradition of Italian fare at St. Helens’ SunShine Pizza

Published 8:00 am Friday, September 6, 2024

Finding made-to-order Italian fare in St. Helens has been as easy as pizza pie for the last four decades.

That’s been cause Todd and Debbie Stansbury continue to uphold the tenants of culinary excellence at SunShine Pizza, at 2124 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens.

The business itself opened its doors in 1981, but it was nearly two decades later that the Stanburys took on the role of keeping the business afloat and serving up from-scratch eats.

“As a 21-year-old, I was hired on to be the manager here. I then became a partner in 1989 and subsequently bought out my partners in 1999,” Todd Stanbury said.

Both Stanburys were raised in St. Helens, a tradition that continues in the family-owned and -operated shop.

“My son in-law Fred is one of our managers, my daughter Melissa is our baker, and my other daughter Ashley is our bookkeeper,” Todd Stanbury said.

“I have been in this business for almost 50 years and am still working to try and keep things fresh and exciting for our community.”

SunShine Pizza specializes in Italian fare, capped off with its family atmosphere.

“At SunShine Pizza, every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients,” according to the owners. “We serve only the finest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables, and breads sticks that are baked fresh daily.”

And while the pizza, calzones, pasta, burritos, salads and sandwiches certainly keep customers coming back, part of the secret sauce may also lie in the staff.

“Over 70% of our staff is long term, meaning they have been with us four years or more,” Todd Stanbury said. “Some of which have been with us from as far back as 1990.”

Those well-trained staff and family buy-in are part of what holds the business, which cranks out hundreds of fresh meals a week, together.

“We work very hard putting out fresh quality products — that includes more than 400 bags of cookies per month, more than 20 gallons of ranch dressing per week, and 200,000 bread sticks per year.

“Not to mention all our pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads as well as three two four caters in an average week. It’s only possible with the help of all the amazing employees we work alongside.”

2124 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens

503-397-3211

www.sunshinepizza.net

At St. Helens’ Sunshine Pizza, the local owners focus on family ties while serving from-scratch Italian fare.

Gold: Best pizza

Gold: Best catering

Gold: Best kid-friendly restaurant

Silver: Best family restaurant