Its colorful sign beckons drivers to pull over and try its menu of pizza, subs, chicken wings and more. For commuters on their way to and from work, it's a quick reminder that dinner or lunch is just a few minutes away.

Located on the south side of Route 140 in Finksburg, Stubby's Carryout and Delivery might be easy to miss for the uninitiated.

But once you discover the carry-out and delivery place, owner John Hunt believes you'll be back.

"We're a mom and pop shop on the side of the road," said Hunt. "We may not look the best, but you got to try it to appreciate it.

"We specialize in cheese steaks," he said with pride. "We're Finksburg's best kept secret."

Stubby's prides itself on good food with little wait. Though there could be room for seating, Stubby's offers only carryout or delivery.

"The county wouldn't let us have seating," Hunt said, mainly due to water and sewer restrictions.

To fill the room located to the side of the kitchen, Hunt opened a small liquor store about three years ago.

That diversity helps the operation, which has seen increased competition as the area has grown. Over the past 11 years, Hunt has seen many nearby restaurants open, including Belisimo's and Smokey's, both located just down the street.

But he sees that competition as a good thing, giving people a variety not only of menus, but of atmosphere and style.

"Before they came in, we were so swamped," Hunt said. "People would get mad. We used to be the only one delivering."

Still, he said, people try other restaurants in the area, "and always come back."

And he added with a sense of pride, "(The competition) has made us faster and look better. I do believe we are the fastest (with delivery)."

Although with good food, Hunt credits Stubby's success on the staff's desire to please the customer.

"The customers come first," he said emphatically. "They request everything, and you try to give them what they want and make the menu better. If we have it in the shop, we can make it the way you want it."

The business isn't easy, Hunt admits, but it's been his livelihood for years. Once a dishwasher, then a line cook at several local restaurants, Hunt didn't hesitate when his shot to own a restaurant became available.

"There was an opportunity," Hunt said. "When opportunity knocks, you take it."

With the purchase of Stubby's. Hunt found himself learning all the trades of the business, from dealing with regulations and red tape to satisfying customers and ordering stock.

"You learn how to deal with it by working with it," Hunt said. "You give up a lot of your life to keep it running. You make sacrifices."

But the enjoyment of serving, and the relationships he's built with customers is a rewarding balance for the business, he said.

"I've been here for 12 years, I must enjoy it," he chuckled.

Even with the economy down, Hunt is confident in the future of Stubby's. The restaurant has a niche, he said, and its menu of pizzas, cheese steaks, wings and more is one that actually plays well in slow economic times.

"Everybody needs to eat," Hunt said. "It is not like the demand is not there."

Stubby's (410-861-8383) is located at 2825 Baltimore Blvd. (Route 140), Finksburg.

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