By Scarlet Thalman
BCR Correspondent
NILES, MI — Saylor’s Pizza reopened its Niles location to the public on Jan. 6, 2026, welcoming customers into a new building after being forced to close for around 15 months following a devastating car crash in September 2024.
The crash caused extensive damage to the restaurant’s former location on S. Lincoln Ave and left the building unusable; this prompted the family-owned business to relocate a few miles away in a similar neighborhood of Niles where they have been navigating rebuilding and reopening on Grant St., the site of a former Dairy Queen.
While the transition was marked by uncertainty, the Niles community remained a constant source of support. Large crowds turned out on opening day to welcome the restaurant back, with long lines of loyal customers encompassing the area around the location.
Sarah Saylor, former owner and mother of current owner Isaac Saylor, described the response as both surprising and emotional. “That first day was amazing,” she said. “To see people waiting, wrapped around the block, was incredible.”
The community’s enthusiasm was especially significant for Isaac Saylor, who had recently taken over the business from his parents before the crash occurred. Saylor’s mother said the encouragement from customers and community members played a crucial role in keeping her son moving forward.
“Even just being out in the community, people would give us those pep talks and say they couldn’t wait for us to reopen,” she said. This was important for the family as the transition was not always straightforward.
“Isaac experienced several hurdles, from contractors to delays, but that support was a good catalyst for him to keep going.” She recalled and emphasized how grateful the family is for this unwavering support.
The move to the Grant Street location also allowed the family to reconstruct the interior from scratch to better suit their operations.
“Having a flow that makes sense with the space was an opportunity to change some things,” Sarah explained.
Although the staff is still adapting to the new systems and layout, she emphasized that these changes are helping the business move forward. But while the relocation has brought positive updates, Saylor acknowledged that adjusting to the new location has come with challenges.
“It’s been very busy, which is amazing business-wise,” she said. “But when you’re working in a new system, there are a few challenges that come with that.”
She said the family has appreciated customers who have supported the business and during this transition call for patience as staff continues to adjust and keep wait times reasonable.
Looking ahead, the Saylor family is focused on settling into their new home while serving the same high-quality food the community loves. With an updated kitchen and better layout, they plan to serve the Niles area for many years to come. This new chapter is a tribute to the family’s hard work and the incredible loyalty of their customers.