Prospector Pizza Strikes Gold in Stagecoach
Paige and Matt Keller will celebrate the grand opening of Prospector Pizza on March 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a community event featuring vendors and family-friendly activities. The couple hopes that sunshine will draw crowds to their new restaurant at 5925 Apache Drive, where pizza serves as the foundation for stronger local connections.
The opening event will help support the Silver Stage High School's band and music programs. Paige Keller, who grew up playing in the band in Churchill County, has a soft spot. Meanwhile, Matt Keller noted that the arts receive far less funding than sports, so they want to help bridge that gap.
The Kellers, who live in nearby Dayton, took over the former Rose Creek Pizzeria on Jan. 9, 2026. Their anticipation of serving exceptional pizza couldn’t wait, so they began with a soft opening and are currently serving slices to satisfied guests who rave about the taste and picturesque display of each order.
"Everything is as fresh as possible and artisanal," Matt Keller said, emphasizing his love for the art of food and creating a finished product that looks as good as it tastes.
Since the soft opening, turnout from nearby residents has been strong and largely supportive, though some longtime customers have expressed nostalgia for the previous menu. Former owner Matt Berry – who operated Rose Creek Pizzeria before retiring from daily operations – helped inspire and guide the Kellers prior to the sale. His influence remains evident in their approach and craftsmanship.
The Kellers see the change as worthwhile for the positivity it brings. The couple praises Berry’s intellect and advice, giving him credit, along with their family, for helping with the remodel and getting the store running. Pizza has intermittently returned to the location over the years, and the 1970s oven remains in use for deep-dish pies.
Though they are new to owning a business, pizza is no stranger to the couple. Paige Keller, originally from Fallon, had her first job at the Pizza Barn, and Matt Keller, from Gardnerville, started in the pizza industry in 2018. After enduring the physicality of construction, he was drawn to the pride of creating a finished product that's easier on the body.
They enjoy physical labor in an extracurricular aspect through hiking. The "Prospector" name ties to their shared rockhounding hobby, with adventures across Nevada, California, and Montana, including spots near Virginia City and Mount Davidson. Each wall inside the restaurant displays various treasures they enjoyed digging up.
Prospector Pizza features Italy-inspired yet experimental pies made with the freshest ingredients sourced weekly and daily if need be. Matt Keller designs the recipes and emphasizes culinary craft that pushes "outside the box" for the area. Favorites include the Comstock with ricotta and fresh basil, the Dynamite with arugula and prosciutto, the Gold Pan with chopped pine nuts and almonds and the deep-dish. Fresh sourcing supports options including gluten-free and dairy-free choices.
"What sets us apart is the time and effort put in, ingredients, and no compromise on certain aspects of the process. It's about the flavor and quality," Matt Keller said.
Paige Keller also delights the shop with savory baked goods. The delicious desserts range from strawberry ricotta cheesecake, spumoni cake, cannoli and an Andes mint cake. Additionally, there is availability for custom cakes for birthdays and weddings.
The Kellers eye future promotions, such as their recent "Pie Day" discount of $3.14 off large pizzas. And more events, such as a recent fundraiser at the restaurant, supporting Kim Fairbanks of Kim's Kool Treats, who sold her business after a cancer diagnosis. The event offered an Italian penne pasta dinner, a bake sale and a raffle to help cover Fairbank's medical bills.
"We are part of the community and are here for the community — we are trying to give back," Paige Keller said.
The couple aims to foster a positive presence in Stagecoach while enriching the community with quality food that fills their belly and events to uplift the soul. The Kellers envision the spot as a gathering place for meetings, events, birthday parties, homeschool cooking lessons and more. The dining room offers flexible space for groups as large as a football team, and they encourage coaches to come by after the big games.
Matt and Paige Keller make pizzas and search for gems, yet look no further than Prospector Pizza to find business owners with a heart of gold. Looking ahead, they plan to eventually expand hours, purchase property, start a family and build a legacy business to pass down through generations.
Mark your calendar for the grand opening on Saturday, March 28. Visit prospectorpizza.com to view the menu and order. Contact them by calling (775) 526-1023 or email contact@prospectorpizza.com. Connect on Facebook for future events and promotions.
