Local Restaurant Owner Named to Exclusive List (guest article)

By Doug Schroder

With it being National Small Business Week this week many mom and pop operations are
being recognized for what they do and how they contribute to their communities. One such
establishment that should be noted is Anna's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, located in the village
of Winnebago, Ill.

Anna's Pizza and owner Brian Weavel have been an integral part of the community since
opening the doors over 23 years ago. Brian has volunteered and dedicated much time to the
community, and beyond, by sponsoring sports teams, holding fundraisers, and supporting
many different causes along the way.

Leaders in the pizza industry have recognized Weavel, like the time he was selected as a
guest editor for a month by Pizza Today magazine. Or when he was a guest last fall on the set
of the cable television show Small Business Revolution. Or when the United States Chamber
of Commerce featured him nationally in an article. Most recently he was selected to speak on
community at the International Pizza Expo held in Las Vegas. Then a few days later he gave
speeches at the Mid-West Food Service Expo in Milwaukee, one speech on community
involvement, while the other was on how to get noticed on social media.

Weavel has flourished tremendously on the social media front. Six years ago he was just
beginning to learn how to send emails, now he is all over the social media platforms.
By reaching out as he does, Weavel has caught the eyes of many, which consequentially
landed him on the list of "38 Underrepresented World Wide Talents That You Need to
Know". The list was compiled by award winning author and publisher Calynn M Lawrence
for the Fresh Faces Project 2019.

The Fresh Faces Project 2019 is a not-for-profit campaign that provides a platform for the
artists, entrepreneurs and do-gooders who are underrepresented and don't get the fame and
acknowledgment that their talents merit. Lawrence, based in Chicago, provides free exposure
and promotion for many aspiring talents and entrepreneurs, predominately those from the
fashion industry. Which makes it unusual that a restaurant owner from a small Mid-western
town would make the list. A client of hers had recommended Weavel. Lawrence checked out
his social media presence and decided he deserved a place on her list.
While the list includes people in various backgrounds, aesthetics, and industries (from
fashion to art to music to film to literature and beyond), it includes only one restaurant owner,
that being Brian Weavel.

The Fresh Faces Project is a beautiful showcase for many! It is very diverse in nature and
opens us up to different worlds! I am so proud to have been selected to be a part of it stated
Weavel when asked about the project.

Even though Weavel has gained, not only national, but also international, recognition, his
business goals remain simple; increase sales and continue to make a difference.
To see the list its entirety, and read about the individuals go to the article here: http://fashionthunderclap.blogspot.com/2019/01/38-underrepresented-world-wide-talents.html