LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Donna Morris is not a stranger to the pizza-making process at Old School NY Pizza. 

Morris has worked at the local pizza joint for almost 10 years and said she is used to serving employees from the nearby Kentucky Truck Plant. It’s one of the largest automotive factories in the world, according to Ford Motor Company.

Even though Ford employees have been on strike since Wednesday, Morris said large orders are still coming through. 

“A lot of them are coming in to order [and] sit down to eat; they get warm and just like relax for a little bit. A lot of them are picking up multiple large orders and are taking them back and passing them out at the gates,” Morris said.   

Chris McNulty, the owner of Old School NY Pizza, said the restaurant works with the assembly plant often and offers a 10% discount to the employees. 

“We’re big fans of Ford and apparently they are good friends with us because they come here all the time — even more so during the strike with a lot of people working outside because of the strike,” McNulty said. 

He said he wasn’t expecting the increased business, but is glad to get the word out about the restaurant. The restaurant recently added bar service on Friday and Saturday. 

“I mean, obviously you never want to see a strike and I hope there is a resolution… But yes, I was surprised to see a pickup of business opposed to a reduction. While it’s good short term, you know it’s not going to last long term, but hopefully more Ford employees will get to know us,” McNulty said.  

Morris said the strike has opened up the door to employees who worked the night shift to become customers. 

“We’re getting them throughout the day now, so by the time they get their break and then we’re closed, so they come during the day now,” Morris said. 

 In all, about 34,000 UAW employees are striking at facilities run by Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.