Bill explained that he grew up in a business oriented family so he always knew he wanted to work for himself. His family owned a local hotel, which was the first place Bill ever sold pizza.

Jennifer, on the other hand, though she was not born into it, embraced the journey every step of the way.

“She’s the backbone of the operation, it’s always been my name out front. But she’s always been there 100 per cent,” said Bill about his wife.

In 1989, the couple opened a takeout kitchen inside J&J’s gas bar. After six months of renting the space, they decided to open their business from their home 437 Hwy 148, what is now home to Billy T’s Pizza.

With Bill promising Jennifer that this situation would only be temporary and that they would buy a house in the next two years, the family including their four kids, Eilis, Kaileen, Farron, and Brodie opened their front door to customers. Billy T’s opened in 1990, on Bill’s 30th birthday.

Over the years they were able to serve food across the region.

“We’ve been able to achieve our name from Chapeau to Quyon to Kazabazua. We have a regular clientele from one end of the Pontiac to the other,” said Bill.

He noted that with the help of the SADC, and Caisse desjardin, both organizations that knew the county, as well as his mentor Weldon Hobbs they were able to succeed. The couple also credited the community, and their loyal customers for their many years of success.

“What a great town. The town has supported me to no end. We came here with four kids and the big dream, we didn’t have a dime. The Pontiac has done very well for us,” said Bill.

Though he could not pin-point what his greatest achievement was in the past 32 years, Bill knew right away that his greatest disappointment was how he was not able to share this success story with his parents.

The papers are now signed for Billy T’s to be under new management. Bill will be around for the first three weeks to help the new owners with their transition. Bill noted that the new owners are adamant on keeping the same quality of food and service.

As for the future, Bill and Jennifer are looking forward to their newfound free time, though at the moment they are unsure as to what they are going to fill it with, they know that it is time for a new chapter.

“We would like to thank all of our customers, past, and present staff and welcome Dave and Alex with their future success with Billy T’s,” said Jennifer.

Bill and Jennifer with their children Eilis, Kaileen, Farron and Brodie, on the week they opened in 1990.

Jennifer Telford, Gary Hodgins, former mayor of Clarendon and Bill Telford, at the ribbon cutting ceremony of Billy T’s in 1990.

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