Sammy’s Pizza in Eau Claire traces its roots to 1957, and still offers fresh pizza and a community feel to all of Eau Claire. The restaurant (2812 Lodon Road) changed hands 12 years ago when James and Tammy Jerulle purchased the family business from James’s father and uncle, who ran the business since 1971. A Fall Creek resident for the past decade, James Jerulle is as passionate about the Chippewa Valley as he is about great pizza!

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What’s your passion?

Harvesting wood for campfires and heating the house.

What place in town considers you a “regular”?

Probably the new section of Altoona (River Prairie).

What frustrates you about the Chippewa Valley?

We seem to knowingly underbuild things, then talk about adjusting them for 10 more years.

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve ever had in the Chippewa Valley?

I enjoy the apple orchards and fall harvest events in the fall.

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?

Honey garlic steak from Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub.

Water Street or Downtown?

Downtown.

South side or north side?

South side.

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area?

I think downtown has come a long way in the last 15 years, but if it becomes as popular as they want it will require much more needed infrastructure.

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to the members of city council?

One Minute Manager.

If you could rename Eau Claire with a different French name, what would it be?

Vallées Jumelles (Twin Valleys).

James's Shoutouts

Fall Colors in the Chippewa Valley. “They are unbeatable. (I love) taking drives to more rural area to observe this spectacle.”

Small Watering Holes. “For burgers and beverages.”

Apple Orchards. “I love grabbing some apple cider and apples for the road.”

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If you or someone you know would make a good candidate for Questioning the Locals, send us a message with their contact info and a little bit about them!