KING CITY, Mo. - Chris Wenell went from big-city catering to rural America's family nights out and T-ball pizza parties.

"I just wanted to slow down and smell the roses," he said.

Mr. Wenell recently took ownership of the Breadeaux Pizza in King City, Mo. There was a grand opening for the restaurant, located at 103 E. Vermont St., last week. Breadeaux was previously owned by Jim Guest for 13 years.

"The timing was right," Mr. Wenell said.

He was wanting to start a business and said Mr. Guest was wanting to get more involved in politics.

The transition was perfect for Mr. Wenell, who relocated to the small Northwest Missouri town after 23 years in Kansas City working for a catering company. After his father passed away, the Iowa native said he didn't want to uproot his mother. Mr. Wenell's parents had lived in King City for 15 years.

Having had experience in every facet of the food industry, Mr. Wenell said he enjoys the challenge of a start-up business. He's taken the King City restaurant and run with it, adding a new line of pasta, sandwiches and salads.

"I'm trying to market everything but pizza," he said.

Mr. Wenell was able to retain most of the kitchen staff and has seven full and part-time employees.

The new owner is already attached to his restaurant too. He only lives four blocks away and said he's always around.

"I'm very hands on," he said. "I want to touch every plate that comes out of that kitchen."

Breadeaux in King City is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mr. Wenell said the eatery will be open later on nights when local schools are having events.

Jennifer Hall can be reached at jennhall@npgco.com.