BEAUMONT, Texas — The founder of Benny's Pizza and co-owner of the Vault 409, Brandon Rodriguez was in for a surprise when a celebrity showed up to his store yesterday to try a slice.
Comedian Jo Koy was at Parkdale Mall yesterday before his show at Ford Park. He decided to visit several businesses inside the mall, including Vault 409.
"I got a phone call from the store saying they needed to get inside of our showcase that a customer wanted to buy something. And when I arrived to open up the showcase, it was him. And I said man, that's Jo Koy," said Rodriguez.
Before Koy left, Rodriguez told him he needed to try a slice of Southeast Texas at his other store, Benny's Pizza.
"I want to change from what the old pizzeria had. Add my crazy flavors like boudin and brisket, garlic parmesan shrimp, just a bunch of different flavors that the city probably hasn't seen before," Rodriguez said.
On the Benny's Pizza Facebook page, Rodriguez posted the encounter with Koy to share with the Beaumont community.
"He absolutely loved the pizza. He actually bought some for his whole team. He left with over four boxes of pizza. We sell whole pies, but he ended up buying 18 slices for him and his team," said Rodriguez.
Koy chose to stick with a traditional slice of cheese pizza, Rodriguez said it was an experience he will never forget.