After working in the restaurant industry in Hawaii and Oregon, a former Lake Panorama resident and Guthrie Center High School graduate has come back to Guthrie County to bring a new dining offering to residents.

Ryan Smith is the owner of The Lake Panorama Pizzeria, housed in the former Progressions Fitness location in downtown Panora. After closing on the purchase of the building last May, it’s been a quick turnaround to renovate the space into a restaurant that makes wood-fired pizza right before your eyes. Stepping into the business you may notice old maps and memorabilia of Lake Panorama and the City of Panora. Smith’s grandfather was a former general manager of the lake, and he hopes to further the restaurant’s local flare in the future.

After living away from Iowa for several years, Smith comments on opening his own business in Panora, “This winter was pretty rough after living in Hawaii for so many years but it’s beautiful. I mean, look across the street, there’s a beautiful park with the library right there. And everybody’s got a really good community feeling and atmosphere around here, and everybody’s super nice and helpful. And (I’m) just trying to supply a good, cool place for them to chill and they can drink beers and watch football and eat pizza.”

Patrons can dine-in or carry-out from The Lake Panorama Pizzeria, and Smith encourages people to call in with their orders ahead of time. The business is also looking for part-time weekend help. You can find their contact information in this story at raccoonvalleyradio.com. (call the restaurant at 641-755-2373. Their hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m.)