At that time Kathy wasn’t even living in this town, but we had been best friends since second grade. He started in, probably 1993, and got me a job here in the spring of ‘96.

Managers Sean Kitzler and Kathy Parr have stuck alongside each other for most of their lives, sharing a long-lasting friendship and working together to help keep the Tower going. In 1992, the business was sold to Greg and Maryjane Gemzer, and Maryjane still runs it. Hazel Howman created the famous submarine sandwich bread recipe which is still used to this day. Many customers describe the building to be like a time capsule, eyes glued to the walls and ceiling, reminiscing on times when they came there years ago. Gradually, Hess adorned the walls with numerous posters, many of which still remain today.įor a period of time, there was a psychedelic hearse painted by Hess’ first wife that was rumored to have delivered food for a while. Providing a unique, welcoming atmosphere, citizens flocked to the Tower to order food and play on old pinball machines. Around Christmas of 1957, Joe Hess opened Leaning Tower, which quickly became one of the hotspots in town.

Leaning tower pizza