Our Story:
Camellia City Pizza was originally established in Slidell as Lee’s Flying Pizza. For a brief period the original owner (Margo) changed the name to M & M’s Pizzeria before selling the business to the current owners (Michael & Jackie).
Michael & Jackie Banghart originally hail from Minnesota. A few years ago, while visiting Southeast Louisiana on a family vacation, they fell in love with the people, climate, culture & food. Michael, an avid boater and fisherman, was especially attracted to living on the water and being able to use his boat all-year ‘round.
Upon returning home, and researching the Slidell area, they were happy to find an excellent school system and many extracurricular options for their children. Jackie, a nurse, also found there were many local employment opportunities. Decision made, they packed up their family and made the move to Slidell.
After a few years of settling into their new waterfront home, and helping their children acclimate in the local schools, Michael began searching for an opportunity to invest in a local business.
Together, Michael & Jackie purchased the old M & M Pizzeria in Slidell from long-time owners Mike & Margo. Michael spent a couple of months “apprenticing” and learning every aspect of the business, including the ALL IMPORTANT secret family recipes that Margo had learned from her father (a pizza restaurant owner in New Orleans).
Michael & Jackie are committed to keeping all of the old recipes, and even adding a few new ones along the way. After a brief ownership transition and remodel, they changed the business’ name to CAMELLIA CITY PIZZA, to honor their new hometown, Slidell, Louisiana.
Jackie’s day job is as an Emergency Room Nurse at Slidell Memorial. Together, at night, the couple runs the pizza shop, and they strive to provide customers with the best quality food possible.
They are very happy to be new Slidellians and are excited to join the ranks of local business owners.
We hope you’ll stop by and visit us at Camellia City Pizza! Over the years our name may have changed, but our recipes, and commitment to quality and service have stayed the same.