T.J. and Sherry Van Dyke, owners of MK's Gourmet Pizzeria & Shoppe in Dublin, don't believe in the concept of "open it and serve it."

With 11 pizza places in the Dublin and Pulaski area, MK's looks to offer an authentic alternative with its wood-fired oven.

You will not find any canned mushrooms or peppers in the kitchen, as MK's uses nothing but fresh ingredients.

The pizzeria also has a deli area where customers can get beef tenderloin or New York strip cut to order.

Aside from 18-inch pies, MK's features a Virginia's Finest shop, which provides Virginia-produced agricultural products, such as specialty foods, hams, peanuts and wine.

Sherry Van Dyke said she hopes the agricultural products will strike the fancy of not just tourists but local visitors as well.

The Van Dykes owned and operated The Huckleberry Inn, an Italian restaurant and night club in Christiansburg, for 16 years before selling the building and looking for a new business venture.

While driving through the Dublin area one afternoon, the couple questioned: "What can we do in this here?"

When the former location of the Shelor Motor Mile Outdoors on State Park Road was made available, the Van Dykes jumped on the chance and purchased the property.

With 26 years of experience in the food service industry, the Van Dykes said they believe in providing quality food with a hands-on approach.

"We're not like the cookie-cutter restaurants. Everything we do, we like to do it upscale," said T.J. Van Dyke.

"We are trying to find our niche in the market," said Sherry Van Dyke.

With upscale ingredients and service, prices can be expected to rise also, but while you may pay a little more for your pie, the quality is unrivaled, T.J. Van Dyke said.

Pulaski Furniture employee Jeff McConnell and his wife have tried nearly everything on the menu and say the food is excellent.

"I think they will do very well," said McConnell.

The grand opening for MK's Gourmet Pizzeria & Shoppe was May 26, with the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Guests enjoyed live entertainment and also took part in raffles for several Virginia's Finest products.

MK's Gourmet Pizzeria & Shoppe is at 4941 State Park Road in Dublin. For more information call 674-8888.