Carri Sailor, owner of Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, remembers going to Ken’s Pizza as a child to make pizzas.
Whether that memory led her to open her own restaurant, it definitely inspired her to offer the experience to youngsters in Iola.
On Tuesday, preschool students with Munchkinland and More descended on Rookies to maken pizzas.
“Raise your hand if you like pizza,” Sailor said to the students.
Everyone raised a hand.
“Have you ever made a pizza?”
Only one student answered in the affirmative.
That’s why she does it, Sailor explained. Some children had yet an opportunity to cook. She hopes the experience will motivate them to explore cooking, not just for themselves but perhaps as a future career.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a kid make their own food for the first time,” she said.
She guided the children through simple steps. Each sat before a pan with pre-rolled pizza dough, then spread pizza sauce over the top. They had the option to add pepperoni slices before covering it with cheese.
Each pizza was baked for seven minutes at 450 degrees, then sliced and presented to the amateur chef who made it.
Hoyt George waited patiently for his pizza to cool before taking a bite. He gave it a thumbs up: “It’s good.”
THE ANNUAL tradition began years ago. Munchkinland owner Megan McKarnin said she remembers when Sailor’s daughter, Tara, attended preschool. Sailor came up with the idea not long after opening her business.
Tara is now in fifth grade. Her younger brother, Stone, a toddler, appeared fascinated to watch the older kids make and enjoy their pizzas.
Sailor invites preschool students each year and has also hosted students from SAFE BASE, the afterschool program.
“It’s a fun way to celebrate the end of the school year,” McKarnin said.
