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Michigan’s Best Local Eats: One-stop shop near Lapeer offers up delicious pizza, handmade Italian delicacies
LAPEER COUNTY, MI – Tucked away just a few miles from Lapeer, Countryside Stop In is a hidden gem that has earned a reputation for outstanding pizza.
Under new ownership, this small party store at 3892 Bronson Lake Road in Oregon Township has transformed into a go-to spot for locals craving high-quality, flavorful pies.
Dyar “DR” Ilia purchased the business at the beginning of 2025 after working in the construction business for 28 years.
“After Covid hit, I lost a lot of money,” Ilia said. “I decided after I put 12 screws in my spine from a car accident and then Covid, I can’t do it anymore. I was looking to purchase a party store.”
Customers from the Lapeer area swear by the pizza, often calling it the best around, thanks to its crispy crust, rich sauce, and generous toppings setting it apart from the competition.
“The dough and the sauce make it number one,” Ilia said. “People love it.”
Ilia wanted to change up the focus of the party store and began offering pizza by the slice for $2.75 along with meat pie pizza and the Philly Cheese Steak pizza, topped with seasoned steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese.
There’s also a BBQ chicken pizza with grilled chicken, bacon, and BBQ sauce as well as a Shawarma pizza with a Middle Eastern twist featuring beef or chicken, garlic spread, olives, and feta cheese.
Other options include the classic Margherita pizza, Meat Lovers pizza with various meats, and a Breakfast pizza with eggs, veggies, and bacon.
Countryside Stop In also will have sandwiches, pasta, ribs and salads, offering delivery as a new service.
Adding to the store’s charm is an Italian vendor stationed inside, serving up her famous cannoli.
Michelle Benyola-Sims moved into Countryside Stop In on Fat Tuesday this year and sold over 400 paczki in a single day.
She is stationed in the back of the store, and Ilia made sure to renovate space for her to operate, which he completed in just four days.
“Customers tell us ‘wow, it looks like a gem,‘” Benyola-Sims said. “This place just felt like home to me.”
She dishes up sweet, creamy cannoli that have quickly become a local sensation, drawing in customers who rave about their authentic taste and perfect balance of crisp pastry and smooth filling.
Benyola-Sims has owned and operated “Nona’s Traditional Italian Recipes” for 10 years and was inspired by her grandmother, Fannie Pontillo.
“Her Italian bread was a staple,” said Benyola-Sims, adding she learned from her grandmother at six years old. “My family was very poor, so making pastas and bread had a long shelf life. And then the cannoli, learning all of that was amazing.”
Tearing up, Benyola-Sims struggled to find the words to share how much her success would mean to her grandmother.
“She never would have thought that those days would lead to this,” Benyola-Sims said. “She wouldn’t understand it. But knowing that this is what came of it, she would be very proud.”
Benyola-Sims has been known as the “Cannoli Queen” and sells more than 400 cannoli, stuffed with high-end Ricotta cheese, and mascarpone cheese, each week.
For gluten-sensitive customers, Nona’s offers a Torta Caprese – a traditional Italian flourless chocolate cake made with almond flour and three varieties of Ghirardelli chocolates, providing a rich and indulgent experience.
Additionally, she offers a roasted grape and berry cheesecake as well as jumbo cinnamon rolls with maple cream cheese icing.
Benyola-Sims takes the time to speak with each customer, valuing personal connections even if those waiting in line grow impatient.
“Wait for good conversation – no one wants to talk anymore. I love talking,” she said, embracing every interaction as an opportunity to connect.
The combination of top-tier pizza and irresistible cannoli makes Countryside Stop In more than just a convenience store- it’s a must-visit for food lovers.
“I am humbled from the success,” Benyola-Sims said. “I just wanted to sell a few loafs of bread and some cannoli. I never thought a cannoli would go viral.”
The store has cultivated a devoted following by delivering high-quality food that keeps people coming back.
The new owners have revitalized the space, turning it into more than just a place to grab snacks and drinks.
Ilia has a photo of Countryside Stop in from 1991.
Along with adding new features, he plans to open a gas station and hopes customers can visit and sign a petition for him to do so.
With a selection of cannoli and unique specialty pizzas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this hidden gem.
“The people in Oregon Township are very good people,” Ilia said.
Follow Countryside Stop In on Facebook and Nona’s Traditional Italian Recipes.