If you’ve spent any time around Newton, chances are you’ve stepped through the doors of The Untouchables Pizza. Since opening in 1983, the restaurant has become more than a place to grab a slice. It’s where families gather around the “infamous” buffet, where kids celebrate after ball games, and where neighbors come together in support of schools, churches, and nonprofits.

At the heart of it all is Scott Gilleland—a small business owner, community servant, and now candidate for Newton City Council.

From Busboy to Business Owner

Scott’s journey with The Untouchables began humbly in 1986, when he started clearing tables as a busboy. Nearly four decades later, he proudly owns and operates the very same business that gave him his start. His leadership has kept The Untouchables true to its roots: affordable, family-friendly dining with a focus on fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients.

The restaurant’s buffet remains a local favorite. With salad and potato bars, rotating pizza options, hearty wings, and creative specials, the spread has earned a reputation as one of the best values in town. Lunch and dinner hours draw regulars and newcomers alike, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it feel like home.

But for Scott, the measure of success isn’t just in full dining rooms—it’s in the lives touched beyond the restaurant’s walls.

Giving Back, One Spirit Night at a Time

The Untouchables has long been a fixture in community fundraising. “We’re proud to support local schools and nonprofits through spirit nights,” Scott shares. “It’s a simple way to give back—neighbors come to eat, and proceeds go right back to the organizations that shape our community.”

Whether it’s the high school band, a local church, or a nonprofit meeting critical needs, countless groups have benefited from these efforts. Over the years, thousands of dollars have been raised, strengthening the very fabric of Newton. The restaurant also extends discounts and appreciation to first responders—police, EMS, and firefighters—who serve on the front lines every day.

A Life Rooted in Service

Scott’s commitment to community stretches well beyond business. Born and raised in Catawba County, he has called Newton home for more than 20 years. His parents instilled the values of hard work and service—his father as a plant manager in North Newton, his mother and aunt shaping young lives in the preschool program at Newton Parks and Recreation.

Together with his wife, Scott raised their son here, celebrating his graduation from Discovery High School. Along the way, Scott invested his time as a Boy Scout leader for Pack 383.

Service became a central theme of his life. He is a past president and active member of the Newton-Conover Rotary Club, where he helped organize car shows and community fundraisers. In 2022, he was honored with the Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Memorial Award for lifetime “Service Above Self.” He has also served on the board of the Catawba County Council on Aging and as a trustee for the Saleen Club of America.

Professionally, Scott has owned and operated multiple small businesses—from Belmont Drive-In to Redline Automotive and Owen Outdoor Advertising—while also working on real estate development projects and community initiatives. At each step, mentors and partners have reinforced his belief in honesty, humility, and building strong relationships.

Why He’s Running: “Change Ain’t Polite”

This November, Scott is running for Newton City Council, teaming up with fellow candidates Bill Powell and Recil Wright. Their shared message is clear: real change takes courage, and as Scott says, “Change ain’t polite.”

“I’m not a politician—I’m a small business owner, a neighbor, and someone who truly cares about Newton,” he explains. “We need leadership that’s accountable, transparent, and focused on people first.”

His campaign priorities reflect that vision:

• Repeal the $30 Vehicle Tax – A “double tax” on citizens he believes must be eliminated fairly and quickly.
• Accountability & Openness – Ensuring council decisions are transparent, ethical, and accessible to all.
• Fiscal Responsibility – Managing Newton’s $70 million budget with care, cutting waste and funding true needs.
• Improved Relationships – Restoring cooperation and respect with Catawba County governments.
• Better Services & Lower Fees – Reviewing and reducing unnecessary fees while improving core services.
• Public Safety – Supporting police, fire, and emergency services while addressing crime at its roots.
• Recreation for Everyone – Ensuring programs meet the real needs of all citizens in cost-effective ways.
• Fairness for All – Treating every citizen and neighborhood equally, with no preferential treatment.

Scott emphasizes that meaningful change requires more than one voice on council. “To fix what’s broken, to stop wasteful spending, and to give citizens a real voice—we need a majority. That’s why I’m proud to run alongside Bill and Recil.”

A Neighbor, Not a Politician

At the end of the day, Scott sees himself as a neighbor first. His love for Newton is woven into every slice served at The Untouchables, every fundraiser hosted, and every hour spent volunteering.

“My work has always been about people,” he says. “If I don’t know the answer, I’ll tell you—and I’ll work to find it. That’s the kind of common-sense leadership I believe Newton deserves.”

For Scott Gilleland, community and council are simply two sides of the same coin: a chance to serve, to uplift, and to build a stronger Newton—one decision, one neighbor, one slice at a time.