Move over Domino’s, Home Team and Pizza Pit. There’s a new pizza joint in Campustown and it’s the real deal. Guido’s Italian Pizza is open and ready for a little take out – pizza that is.

“I’m just anxious to give students and the people of Ames an option,” said Rick “Guido” Fontanini, owner and operator of Guido’s.

“I’ve always had that passion for having a pizza house on a college campus.”

Well, that passion has carried over and voila, Guido’s in Ames, located at 2503 Lincoln Way, has been open since Oct. 25. But, this isn’t the first business venture for Fontanini. He first went into business in Boone 20 years ago when he opened the Tic Toc, which he subsequently sold. From there he opened a Guido’s in Boone in early September, before hitting the Ames scene.

“I just wanted to find a niche,” Fontanini said. “My best product and the one I had the most experience with was pizza.

“It’s been an overwhelming, overnight success.”

Guido’s pizza is available for take out or by the slice. “Our recipe is for good authentic Italian pizza with a few creative twists,” Fontanini said.

Those little “twists” include shrimp, sauerkraut and pineapple to name a few. Another unique addition to your pie that Guido’s adds is putting a couple of jalape¤o peppers in the whole pizzas. “It’s just an idea to add a little extra touch; there’s no wizardry behind it,” Fontanini laughed.

Fontanini isn’t new to the Ames community, besides living in Boone, he’s originally from Des Moines. “I love Ames,” Fontanini said. “I think it’s a great town; I’m happy the opportunity rose.”

To enjoy a change-of-pace pizza by the slice, or engulf a whole one, stop by Guido’s Italian Pizza after 5 p.m. Don’t worry if you go by during lunch break and see the lights off, ’cause they’re not open.