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LAPLACE — The former Sicily’s location at 214 Belle Terre Blvd. in LaPlace is the new home of Johnny’s Pizza House, a Louisiana-based company that offers dine-in, take-out and delivery in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Parish officials and small business leaders in the River Region Chamber of Commerce joined Franchisee Jeff Huggins for a grand opening ceremony on August 22.

Huggins also operates Johnny’s locations in Covington and Alexandria, with another location planned for Slidell.

Johnny Huntsman started the Johnny’s Pizza House brand in Monroe in 1967. His restaurant was housed in a small, rented building with only three parking spaces. The company has since grown to more than 40 locations across Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.

Huggins said Johnny’s stands out from competitors with fresh ingredients prepared daily, from pizza dough to the vegetables and meats that are loaded onto pizzas. Johnny’s also utilizes a secret sauce with a Louisiana flare that stands out against other brands. The No. 1 seller, “Sweep the Kitchen,” has a legendary combination of 11 ingredients.

Other popular specialty pizzas include Bacon Cheeseburger, BBQ Blast, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Ranchero, Hog Heaven, Mauie Wowie, Mighty Meaty, Pepperoni Power, Veg Out and Muffuletta. Johnny’s also offers shareables, salads, lower-calorie pizza bowls, a unique take on calzones called Johnny’s Flips, and a selection of desserts.

Affordable lunch specials range from $4 to $10 every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.