Diamond Pi Company replaces Happy Joe’s

     After almost 40 years, Happy Joe’s in Monticello has closed, only to open right back up again as a new, independent restaurant: Diamond Pi Company.

     Not only is a new company name associated with the establishment, but a new owner as well: Eric Green.

     Previous, long time owner John Dannemann, wanted to step down after opening Happy Joe’s in September 1977.

     “This was his first store,” shared Green of Dannemann’s restaurants in the area. “I knew John wanted to retire at some point.”

     Green has been working at Happy Joe’s in Monticello and McOtto’s in Anamosa (both owned by Dannemann) on and off since he was 15 years old. He’s been running both businesses over the last two and a half years.

     Over the years, Green has taken on every task with the exception of serving food. Now, he can add a new title to his resume, owner.

     Early last week, residents in the community noticed a change at the former Happy Joe’s with the antique sign coming down. Green said that was all in an effort to rebrand to Diamond Pi Company, an LLC he developed on his own.

     Once Green no longer wanted to be a part of the Happy Joe’s franchise, he had to get rid of everything with the Happy Joe’s name on it. That included the sign, menus, recipes, and more.

     So where does the new name come from? Well, Green wanted to maintain a piece of local Monticello history with his new restaurant. The site of the restaurant once housed the Diamond Creamery, which ran in Monticello from the late-1800s to the mid-1900s. An article in the March 2, 1944 Monticello Express recalled the history of the creamery with the headline: “Diamond Creamery, Monticello’s first, had worldwide fame.”

     “I wanted something with a tie to Monticello’s history,” said Green, “something with a community connection.”

     Green said using “pi” versus “pie” also puts a different spin on the restaurant’s name.

     For those who loved Happy Joe’s pizza and recipes, Green said his new menu will remain pretty much the same. You will still see the lunch buffet during the week as well.

     “The buffet has been the same for a long time,” said Green. “I have some ideas I’d like to do there.”

     When it comes to pizza, Green developed his own sauces, wanting to bring out the flavors.

     “Happy Joe’s was a little conservative with their flavors in their sauces,” he said. “I’ll have the same consistency, but with more flavor.”

     He said the meat options on the pizzas will also differ, and Green came up with a new dough recipe as well.

     The menu will still offer pizza, sandwiches, pastas, appetizers and salads.

     Green is working with Dannemann’s son, Todd, who now owns McOtto’s in Anamosa, to offer the same pizza on their menu as well. the two have been tine tuning recipes to make sure they’re offering the best they can for the customers.

     “I closed early on Monday and opened for the lunch hour again on Wednesday,” Green said of the time it took to get everything changed over. By Wednesday, customers were there to enjoy the new Diamond Pi food.

     “I hated to close and turn down business,” Green said.

     Green is a prime example of someone who literally worked his way up the corporate totem pole. When he was 15 years old, he started working at Happy Joe’s. He was a pizza maker, made deliveries, and also managed the restaurant, along with McOtto’s. Now, he owns a business.

     “This is step-one in a bigger plan,” he shared. “In high school, I never thought I’d have a restaurant, let alone be back in Monticello.” Green said he’d eventually like to own a bar as well, but one thing at a time…

     Green said Monticello is a friendly town; a nice place to raise a family.

     Aside from the recipe changes, Green is also modernizing the business. He keeps track on inventory and employee scheduling all on a computer versus with pen and paper.

     “I like a challenge,” he said, “and I’m finding different areas to focus on and improve.”

     After being open for less than a week, Green said he’s heard many positive comments.

     “Change is for the better,” he said. “I can introduce new food without worrying about the constrains of a franchise.”

     Aside from the restaurant, Green will also continue Happy Joe’s legacy of providing the pizzas for the Monticello School concession stands at various sporting events. The only change, they will be Diamond Pi pizzas.

     Green will also continue to honor the wrestling and football cards/coupons sold throughout the community, as well as Happy Joe’s gift certificates.

     Diamond Pi Company employs 25 employees, both part- and full-time. Green said he would like to hire a few more for full-time shifts.

     Diamond Pi is located at 601 S. Main St. You can still call 319-465-5477 for deliveries, carry-out orders, or to reserve the party room.