In April of 1966, Bob Fortel began his career in the restaurant business. He worked at "The Pizza Den" just down the street from his house at Mackenzie and Heege. He worked there through high school and college, then he decided to explore other options in food services. He continued working for other people until 1981, when he met his goal. On January 1, 1981, Bob bought the store at Mackenzie and Heege and named it "Fortel's Pizza Den".