WICHITA — The Kansas Department of Revenue has filed a tax warrant against restaurateur John Giroux for almost $27,000, much of which he says is penalties and interest.
Giroux owns two Geno & John’s Pizza locations, but that’s not what he owes money for.
It’s for a Knolla’s Pizza Giroux used to own near Harry and Webb, which is where one of his Geno & John’s is now.
Late last year, Giroux and Pat Knolla cut ties.
The Department of Revenue is working with Giroux on a repayment plan.
“Business in the last year has been pretty difficult,” Giroux says. “I do everything I can to try and hold on.”
The economy has forced him to slash pizza prices, but Giroux says his costs are still the same.
A couple of months ago, he also opened a second Geno & John’s at 7603 W. 21st St.
“Here I go,” Giroux says, “another store, not really making it.”
He’s not giving up, though.
“I’m a hard worker,” Giroux says. “I keep battling it. I battle for the product. I think I’ve got a great product.”