Ken's Pizza Closes, Pizza King Reborn in Tyler

Tyler, TX – A long-standing culinary fixture in Tyler is preparing to close its doors, making way for the revival of a beloved local name. Ken's Pizza, located at 3302 Troup Hwy, will serve its last slice on March 31, as owners Larry and Cathy Vinson retire after 43 years at the helm.

The Vinsons have been the proprietors of Ken's Pizza since 1981, building a legacy that has made the restaurant a familiar destination for generations of Tyler residents. The building itself has a rich history in the local pizza scene, operating as Ken's Pizza since 1970, and prior to that, it was the original Pizza King.

While Ken's Pizza will be missed, the Vinson family legacy will continue. Larry and Cathy's son, Brian Vinson, and his wife, Brandy Vinson, are set to reintroduce Pizza King to the community. This marks a full-circle moment, as Pizza King was the original restaurant concept launched by Ken Vinson in 1965, which later evolved into Ken's Pizza. The original Pizza King closed its doors in 2012.

Brian and Brandy Vinson plan to open the new Pizza King in May 2024, operating from the same historic location at 3302 Troup Hwy. The couple intends to undertake an interior refresh while preserving the nostalgic atmosphere that has long characterized the building. The menu will feature classic favorites including pizza, pasta, hot sandwiches, and a salad bar. Fans will be particularly excited for the return of the iconic "royal pizza," a signature item from Pizza King's past.

The transition allows Larry and Cathy Vinson to enjoy their retirement, while their son and daughter-in-law continue the family's culinary tradition, bringing a cherished name back to the Tyler dining landscape.