Eating out can be tough for a family of four, especially in this economy. But, a night out doesn’t have to break the bank, at least that’s what Matt West believes. That’s why he invested in the restaurant business and opened a Stevi B’s at Barrow Crossing in Bethlehem.

"I got in the restaurant business sheerly by accident," said West. "It was the only job I could find out of college, waiting tables ... lots of bad hours."

West said he doesn’t miss the hours. He worked in several different restaurant chains before landing at Stevi B’s.

He said what turned him on to Stevi B’s more than anything was his kids. "They loved it and beat me to death over it," he said.

West said Stevi B’s is set apart from other pizza chains for several different reasons, its prices, its all-you-can-eat buffet, its family-oriented atmosphere and its work ethic and desire to sell a quality product for an affordable price.

"I can show you real quick [what sets us apart]," he said.

West led me to the kitchen where several employees were busy prepping homemade pizza dough for the upcoming lunch crowd.

"What she’s doing right now is what makes a difference," West pointed to a young female employee. "They are making the dough ... most of the pizza places ... have frozen dough. We make it fresh all day, every day," West said.

Also, according to West, unlike other pizza places, a family of four can easily have a night out for under $25. An adult buffet is $5.49, a child’s is $3.49 and a seniors plate is $4.29. Kids 10 and younger eat free and a salad bar is $3.99. Not only that, it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The buffet holds several different types of pizza, some standard like pepperoni or sausage, others a little more eclectic like loaded baked potato, macaroni and cheese, hot wing, Hawaiian or taco. There’s also a selection of pastas and a full salad bar.

And don’t forget drinks and desserts.

Stevi B’s has a variety of dessert pizzas that are sure to fill that sweet tooth, including but not limited to cherry nana, s’mores, apple crunch and chocolate bavarian creme.

Stevi B’s also offers a carry out menu. Regular pizzas are priced as low as $3.99, depending on what style, and medium pizzas range between $5.99-7.89. A large pizza can be bought as low as $7.59-$9.99, making economic times a little easier to cope with, said West.

"Business has been unreal," he said. "Its well exceeded my expectations."

The restaurant has about 45 employees and is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-10p.m. Friday and Saturday and is located at the new Barrow Crossing next to Target and Publix.

West is married to Jennifer and they have three children, Logan, 11; Manning, 5; and Maddox, 2.

"It’s really a family-friendly atmosphere here," he said.