With pizza parlors on seemingly every corner in Southwest Florida, finding a pie is never a problem. Finding a great one is another matter - unless you know about Starz Restaurant & Pizzeria.

Enviably located at the corner of McGregor Boulevard and John Morris Road in south Fort Myers, Starz lives up to its reputation as having the best pizza in town. However, Starz is not your typical pizza parlor.

Unlike its corporate counterparts, the family owned and operated business has two professional chefs on site. Owner Bill Jarvis graduated from the culinary school at Massachusetts-based Newbury College. His stepson, Mario Zannoli, has a degree from the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University and runs the kitchen.

Jarvis moved to Fort Myers in 1995 and has extensive experience in the local hospitality industry. On January 1, 2001, he established Starz in a retail strip center on McGregor Boulevard, across the street from the current location. Although the original location was cramped and unembellished, Starz’ delicious food and low prices attracted an almost cult-like following. Loyal patrons spread the word.

The restaurant’s burgeoning customer base prompted Jarvis to build a larger, freestanding facility on nearby acreage he’d purchased in 2003. Since relocating in July 2006, Starz’ business has doubled. Although the new building can seat up to 100 guests in its indoor and outdoor dining areas, reservations are practically mandatory during season. Even in the summer months, customers without them can expect a wait during prime dining hours.

In terms of aesthetics, the new Starz is a vast improvement over the original. Bright and spacious, the main dining room features a black-and-white color scheme with cheerful red accents. At night, pendant lamps and adjustable overhead lighting provide a decidedly upscale ambience; an unexpected touch in a casual dining establishment.

Jarvis’ wife, Debi, designed many of Starz’ interior features, such as the bathrooms and an illuminated ‘water wall’ on the screen-enclosed porch. The feature provides a stunning yet soothing focal point, as water gently cascades down a wall of natural stone and spills into a small pond below.

While it’s easy to see Starz’ attraction, it’s harder to pinpoint what makes Starz pizza so stellar. Perhaps it’s the crust, which is neither too crispy-thin nor too deep-dish thick. It could also be the array of available toppings or possibly the Starz Own pizza sauce.

Created by Jarvis, the sauce contains imported, fresh Roma tomatoes seasoned with the perfect blend of freshly harvested herbs. Superior to most other tomato-based sauces, it is so popular with customers that Starz now sells it by the quart. The Starz Own brand also is available in a marinara sauce.

Besides pizza, Starz offers a diverse menu with bargain prices (mainly in the $6-$10 range). There are at least a dozen hot and cold sub sandwiches listed, along with an innovative selection of fresh salads and sides, such as calamari, made to order. Entrees comprise classic Italian pasta, chicken, fish and baked dishes. The menu also features calzones, strombolis and several traditional Italian desserts.

Starz’ seasoned and well trained wait staff shines, providing exceptional service at lunch and dinner. Further, all servers are well versed on the list of specialty ‘boutique’ wines, where prices top out at $19 per bottle and range from $4-$6 by the glass. Beer is also available.

About half of Starz’ business is from eat-in diners, who must call for reservations by or before 4 p.m. to ensure seating on the desired day. The other half is from takeout and delivery (currently limited to the Iona-McGregor area), although catering is a rapidly growing facet of Starz’ full-service business. Considering that it may be the only place in town where a family of four can enjoy a fresh, delicious meal for less than $20, those who recognize great value really should see Starz in their dining future.

(Starz Restaurant & Pizzeria is at the corner of McGregor Blvd. and John Morris Rd. in south Fort Myers. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner, from 10:30am - 10pm Monday - Saturday; Sunday from noon - 10pm. Reservations strongly recommended. Takeout, delivery (some areas) and catering available. Phone: 239-482-STAR/7827.)