Nestled along the beautiful Teal Lake shoreline in Negaunee, a new pizzeria with an impressive menu opened its doors in mid-December.

Once just a pipe dream, Teal Lake Pizzeria is now the reality of owners Mary Sandberg-Reed and John Reed’s life-long dreams.

“I’ve been trying to make the perfect pizza since I was a teenager,” said Mary, smiling. “I’ve cooked for a very long time — I love to cook. My house was built around the kitchen.”

With homemade sauces, artisan and specialty pizzas, Teal Lake Pizzeria brings a newly developed menu to the old mining town.

Pizza, however, isn’t the only selection for customers. The menu also includes several delightful sandwiches, fulfilling salads, boneless and traditional chicken wings, a variety of delectable appetizers, a kids menu that offers several options, and desserts.

Mary said Teal Lake Pizzeria’s menu — which consists of fresh and mostly homemade items — was crafted after touring several out-of-town pizza restaurants, throwing ideas back-and-forth between family members and friends, and hours of cooking and testing the products.

Throughout the week, the pizzeria offers specials Tuesday through Thursday.

On “Two for Twenty Tuesdays,” customers can get any two 14-inch cheese-plus-one-topping pizzas for $20. Additional toppings are available for $1.79 each.

“Wing Wednesdays” offers $1 off any size boneless, mixed or traditional chicken wings. A free order of small wings with the purchase of any two 14-inch or 16-inch pizzas is also available.

Thursdays is “Two Bite Nite” — customers are allowed any two appetizer bites for just $16.

Although the Reeds have yet to relish business during the summer, they’re looking forward to sprucing up the deck for outdoor seating options and creating a laid back, welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy.

“We’re looking to dress up the deck so people can enjoy the lake and ambiance. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said John. “I hope it becomes a vibrant place. It’s an investment in the community and we’re excited to be here.”

As a new business, the Reeds are keeping their options open for the future and taking it one day at a time. Mary said she’s interested in future catering opportunities as well as experimenting with some items on the menu.

An opening celebration is expected to be held in June. Any and all updates will be posted on Teal Lake Pizzeria’s Facebook page, Mary noted.

Teal Lake Pizzeria is located at 81 Croix St. in Negaunee. The pizzeria offers delivery options to the Ishpeming and Negaunee area. Those looking to order and have it delivered can call 906-401-0216 or visit the website at www.teallakepizzeria.com/. According to the website, customers must call to order specials — the option is not available with online ordering.

Teal Lake Pizzeria is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Monday.

For more information, visit Teal Lake Pizzeria’s website or its Facebook page.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is jdepew@miningjournal.net.