Title: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Z’s Pizza & Diner
Date: 2026-01-20
Party: majority
Source: https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A5A6B66D-FBB9-42A9-B3CC-B134FE865063

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Z’s Pizza & Diner

January 20, 2026

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January 24, 2026

Read the release on Sen. Ernst's website HERE.

Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.

RED OAK, Iowa – ­­­­­­U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Z’s Pizza & Diner of Bremer County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“For more than five decades, Z’s Pizza has been serving up more than pizza, ensuring folks have a place to gather for good company and food,” said Chair Ernst. “Beyond great meals served family style, Z’s demonstrates its commitment to the community by hosting local events and lending a helping hand to those who need it most.”

Originally founded in 1972 in Waterloo as Z’s Restaurant and Lounge and reopened by Christopher and Joey Carney as Z’s Pizza & Diner in Waverly, this family-owned restaurant was built on a foundation of commitment to quality service. For over 50 years, Z’s has proudly served the Waverly community as a warm and welcoming gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors alike. Earning a reputation for outstanding hospitality and made-from-scratch food, Z’s is especially known for their handmade pizzas, featuring dough and sauce recipes passed down through generations, including an Iowa staple: taco pizza. Over the years, Z’s has shown how community-oriented leadership and dedication to exceptional customer service can propel an Iowa small business into a small-town staple.

Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.

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