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Cheap Eats: Put your trust in the crust at Bubba D's


After working nine years in the restaurant industry, Dustin McClintic felt the time was right to open his own business.

As a teenager, he cooked chicken and biscuits at Bojangles'. Most recently, he managed Soprano's.

With his experience, the 24-year-old said he knew how to run a restaurant. But he had one problem: Without equity, he couldn't get a small-business loan.

However, he had someone else who believed in him. His girlfriend's dad, Max Warner, loaned McClintic the money to buy the equipment and open Bubba D's Pizza & Wings in Shrewsbury in June.

"The boy is so eager to work," Warner said.

The 62-year-old Chanceford Township resident said he doesn't have one doubt in McClintic's ability.

I learned about the restaurant through a conversation with a stranger and thought I'd give it a try.

Picnic tables with umbrellas stood on a wooden deck outside the eatery. Inside, a transparent warmer heated a slice of pizza on a counter, which offered a view into the kitchen. Several rows of tables filled the quaint dining room with wooden walls in a building that used to be a sewing factory.

Because it was a smaller restaurant, I asked to speak with the owner. Normally, I call the owners afterward for an interview.

McClintic insisted that we sit down to talk, as he went over his menu. He highlighted the 16 flavors of wings and said he's adding a few more varieties. Customers may choose among Rodeo Ranch, Montreal and Southern Style BBQ. The business offers 50 cent wing night 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday, eat-in and takeout only. He said some customers attempt to try every flavor.

He said his wings are tender, an essential quality, and the meat falls off the bone. He said he buys them fresh, never frozen, which decreases time spent in the fryer.

McClintic also gave a shout out to his pizza crust - even people who don't like crust enjoy his. He brushes garlic butter on the edge of the pie when it comes out of the oven, which makes the crust taste more like a breadstick.

I had a slice and agree with his comparison. It tasted light and fluffy, yet was still a little bit crisp. It was a good piece of pizza - hot and fresh.

McClintic said it feels awesome that Warner helped him make his dream come true and that Warner believes in him. He said he hopes to build up Bubba D's, which he'll do by offering tasty food and service to customers.

"You always want every customer to be happy and show that you care about - not only your product - but them as well," McClintic said.

Cheap Eats profiles local restaurants, aiming to please our palates and our wallets. Reach Leigh Zaleski at 717-771-2101, lzaleski@ydr.com, @leighzaleski.

Bubba D's Pizza & Wings

LOCATION: 39 E. Forest Ave. in Shrewsbury

CUISINE: Pizza, wings and sandwiches

LEIGH'S PICK: A slice with mushrooms and tomatoes, a bowl of Maryland crab soup, Diet Pepsi ($6.99)

PARKING: Yes

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

PRICE RANGE: $1 to $15.99

ALCOHOL: No

ACCEPTS: Cash and credit

TAKEOUT: Yes

KID'S MENU: Yes

DETAILS: Call 717-227-0445