Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Nesset.
Tyler, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After years in the corporate world, both Dylon and I were ready for something different—something more fulfilling, more connected to our community, and more aligned with the life we wanted to build together. In early 2024, we launched Grilled Cheese Galore, a lime green food truck serving up comfort food with personality all across the Iron Range. It was an incredible first season—we were honored to be voted the second-best food truck on the Range—and it gave us the confidence to take our next big leap.
Later that same year, when Poor Gary’s—an iconic and nostalgic staple in Biwabik—closed its doors, it left a noticeable hole in our small town. That shift opened the door for us to team up with Sharon and Ron at the Biwabik Pub to create something new. Thanks to their generous partnership, we were able to open Biwabik Pizza Co.—they provide the welcoming dine-in space at the Pub, and we provide the food. We truly couldn’t have done it without them.
This journey from the corporate world to food trucks and pizza ovens has been anything but ordinary, but it’s ours—and we’re proud to be building something special in the heart of the community we love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—if it were easy, everyone would be doing it! That’s something we remind ourselves often, especially on the tough days. One of our biggest challenges was stepping into a space that held so much history and nostalgia in the community. Poor Gary’s wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a piece of Biwabik’s identity. We knew we couldn’t (and shouldn’t) try to replicate it, so we focused on starting fresh and doing things our own way. Over time, we’ve found our rhythm, and the support from the community has helped us grow into that space.
Of course, like anyone in the food industry will tell you, equipment issues are a constant hurdle. It seems like something always breaks at the worst possible time. But we’ve been lucky to have great local businesses and repair professionals who show up fast and keep things moving. It’s all part of the larger network of support that makes the Iron Range so special—everyone’s rooting for each other, and that’s what keeps us going.
As you know, we’re big fans of Biwabik Pizza Co.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Biwabik Pizza Co. is more than just a pizza place—we’re a small-town, community-rooted kitchen bringing delicious comfort food to the Iron Range. We specialize in made-to-order pizzas, wings, and sandwiches using quality ingredients and bold flavor combinations. Our frozen pizzas have also become a local favorite for folks who want to take a little piece of our kitchen home with them.
What sets us apart is the energy and intention behind everything we do. We didn’t set out to copy what’s already out there—we wanted to create something that felt personal, approachable, and full of personality. Every sauce, every topping, every menu decision comes from the mindset of “Would we be excited to order this?” If the answer’s yes, it goes on the board.
We’re proud to be part of a creative partnership with the Biwabik Pub—our dine-in guests get to enjoy a cozy bar environment while we handle the food side of things. It’s a collaboration built on mutual trust, shared values, and a deep love for this little town.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how people feel when they interact with us. Whether they’re stopping in after a bike ride, picking up dinner for the family, or trying us for the first time during an event, we aim to deliver something memorable. We want your readers to know that Biwabik Pizza Co. isn’t part of a chain. It’s a labor of love, built from scratch by two people who took a leap—and we’re just getting started.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes us happiest is seeing people genuinely enjoy what we’ve created—whether it’s someone taking that first bite of a pizza they’ve never tried before, or a family gathering around one of our frozen pizzas on a busy weeknight. It’s the connection that food creates. We both left the corporate world to do something more meaningful, and nothing compares to the joy of watching an idea we dreamed up actually make someone’s day better.
We also find a lot of happiness in working together, learning as we go, and building something that reflects who we are. It’s not always easy—but it’s real, it’s ours, and that sense of purpose and pride keeps us going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BiwabikPizza.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiwabikPizzaCo
