Sweet Lew’s is the newest (that I’m aware of) spot to eat in downtown and it’s located in the long empty 2nd floor where Downtown Brew used to be. We’ve been in to check it out and my opinion (not that you want it), it’s going to be quite the gathering spot. It seems Tim Lewis, the owner, really wants it to be a place for community, family, and a spot that gives back to the community. In a sense, it reminds me a bit of what Steve Nino talked to me about in regards to what Nino’s Grill became for Templeton.
Anyways, we enjoyed our visit to Sweet Lew’s. Had a great Greek salad with chicken, a crostini loaded with tomatoes, and a half cheese half funky chicken pizza. We enjoyed it and look forward to going back. We also had the chance to meet and chat with Tim, he strikes me as a good guy and I look forward to seeing how this place does. Check out the Q&A with Tim, below.
Matt: Prior to Sweet Lew’s, what were you doing?
Tim: We own another pizzeria in Visalia, The Planing Mill. I also work as a freelance marketing consultant.
Matt: How long have you been in Paso Robles?
Tim: We moved here in 2016.
Matt: Where were you prior to Paso?
Tim: Visalia
Matt: Why pizza in Paso?
Tim: Big things are happening here and we wanted to be a part of it. The location is perfect for what we are doing…a destination fast casual tap room, pizzeria and wing house.
Matt: How do you think you stand out from other pizza joints in the area?
Tim: There are a lot of pizza places in town, but we believe our proprietary dough recipe, New York Style slices, unique wing flavors, beers and appetizers will differentiate us in the market…not to mention the location is great.
Matt: What’s the scoop on the beer that you’re serving at Sweet Lew’s?
Tim: We are opening as a tasting room for The Dudes’ Brewing Company out of Torrance. They have a number of tasting rooms throughout Southern California but really no footprint on the Central Coast as of yet. The beer is delicious, the brand (Big Lebowski themed) fits into our style as well.
Matt: What is your idea or hope for Sweet Lew’s to be?
Tim: A local hangout as well as a destination for tourists visiting the area. We aspire to be the Central Coast’s version of “Pizza My Heart”.
Matt: Do you have any other plans with Sweet Lew’s in the future since this is just now opened? (Meaning: events, games, etc.)
Tim: We plan on having guest pint nights with local breweries. Many fundraisers for local schools and non-profits. We will be giving away free slices for a year to one lucky winner during our grand opening events. We also just purchased a refurbished vintage Pac-Man machine and we will be giving away a free 20” pie for every new high score.
Matt: I have heard people in the past say that it’s hard to get people in Paso to go upstairs or downstairs (from street level) to a business, how do you plan to lure people up to Sweet Lew’s?
Tim: In the age of social media, it is not as difficult as it was. We will need strong marketing as well as great online reviews (so far, so good). We are also having a massive neon sign built to guide people our way. A lively scene on the patio has helped lure people in so far.
Matt: What are some things you enjoy doing when not working?
Tim: I like to hang with my wife and kids and play golf.
Matt: One would assume you love pizza since you opened a pizza joint but what are some favorite foods other than pizza?
Tim: I’m a big spicy fried chicken guy. Also mediterranean food and sushi.
Matt: How about some favorite restaurants in the Paso area not including Sweet Lew’s?
Tim: Basil Thai, Pappy McGregors, The Steakhouse at the Paso Robles Inn.
Leave a Reply