For Andy Miller, owner of Papanos Pizza in Beulah, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas isn’t just keeping the ovens hot; it’s also keeping costs down and his business thriving.
Miller partnered with DTE Energy to switch to natural gas to help keep day-to-day operations at his restaurant affordable and predictable while eliminating the worry of propane refills. “For us, switching to natural gas was a no-brainer. It’s the most efficient way to make pizza and still make a profit,” said Miller.
That decision has paid off. Over three decades in business, Miller has never once experienced an interruption with natural gas. He says DTE’s suggestion to future-proof his business set him up for success. “Our oven manufacturer said we only needed a one-inch line,” Miller said. “But DTE told me if I ever wanted to expand, I’d regret it. They advised me to install a two- or three-inch line. It felt like overkill at the time, but it’s been one of the best investments we made. It gave us plenty of room to grow.”
Still, while his restaurants have benefited from reliable natural gas, his own home just outside Frankfort never had access. Miller worked with DTE and local leaders to help bring natural gas to the community. Now, after years of working with partners, his neighborhood is weeks away from finally being connected to natural gas.
“It’s great that DTE is investing in a small town and taking care of us,” Miller said. “Natural gas has been an instrumental part of my business for 30 years, and I am so excited for more residents to have access in their homes. It’ll make a world of a difference for our community.” To see what natural gas upgrades DTE is making in your area, click here.