Rough House Pizza reopens
<span>There's a feeling of familiarity once again at Rough House Pizza.</span>
<span>The new owner, Kenneth Handsbury, has brought back many of the things past customers enjoyed, and the Chester native has big plans for the restaurant in the future.</span>
<span>"It initially took place because I, like a lot of people in Chester, was not aware (Rough House) was closed at first," Handsbury said. "I was on a date one day and came down here and saw that it was closed.</span>
<span>"After that, I started looking into it that it was for sale. I've worked in the food industry for most of my life as a manager, assistant manager and various titles, and I've always wanted to do something more with my life."</span>
<span>Handsbury said former owner Greg Snider has worked with him to get Rough House back up and running.</span>
<span>"He has been a huge help," Handsbury said. "Without his help, I wouldn't have been able to do it."</span>
<span>Handsbury said his current plans are keeping the existing menu, while slowly expanding toward pasta and soup-type dishes to go toward more of an Italian-style establishment.</span>
<span>"Since it was closed for about two to three months, I have brung in pretty much all-new staff," Handsbury said. "One young man will start working for me (Wednesday) who is actually a holdover from the previous ownership."</span>
<span>Handsbury was born in Chester and grew up between Chester and Pekin in the Peoria area. He got his associate's degree, as well as a trade, in Kentucky before moving back up to Illinois.</span>
<span>He was working at Subway prior to finding out about Rough House.</span>
<span>"Everything kind of fell into place from there," he said.</span>
<span>Handsbury is a single parent with a 4-year-old son, Ealijah McGuire, whom he hopes to be able to leave the business to eventually.</span>
<span>"It's something that if it takes off, I'd like to build up and someday leave to him," Handsbury said. "Eventually, I do plan on expansion."</span>
<span>Current hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.</span>
<span>On Sunday, the business is open from noon until 8 p.m. The phone number is 826-4687.</span>