By Lauren Eedy
Recently revamped and under new ownership is the Pizza Pizza located at 762 Queen Street East in St. Marys. It is joined with not one but two familiar names, Esso and Beckers, and yes, the latter offers their famous jugs of milk. The Independent had the pleasure of speaking with local resident Aida Mazreku, who both works at and manages PR for Pizza Pizza, about their establishment.
The Pizza Pizza which was at the same location previously was not operating under the traditional model as it is now and since the transfer of ownership last November to North Bay Capital External, was closed for six months due to COVID-19. With the close assistance of the Vice President, Vince Solek, and Chief Marketing Officer, Frank Wormbecher, along with business development managers, it has reopened in July of this year with a new vision for operation in St. Marys. This location offers not only a plethora of full menu items and options such as vegan, keto, cauliflower, and gluten-free crust, but also contactless delivery, longer hours, tamper-proof boxes, and a passion to provide complete customer satisfaction to our community.
The Head Office is located in Toronto. They understood the importance of renovating into a traditional store and in creating a local presence and relationship which is where Mazreku’s role was created as someone who lives in and understands St. Marys. Mazreku says, “Our main goal is to establish more connection to the town and community. We run promotions targeted toward people of St. Marys and we have made donations with plans in the future for more”.
An example of one such gesture toward the community was a meal prepared for 23 of the staff members of Holy Name of Mary School on a recent P.A. Day to thank them and show gratitude for their front-line work and care. It was clearly appreciated as stated by Madame Dafoe, “Wow! Bravo et merci pour la pizza! Absolutely delicious. Pizza Pizza is my favourite pizza, so I really appreciate the lunch today. Thank you for the kindness and the messages on the boxes really made our day too!” Mazreku wants to continue spreading this joy and is not only looking at other donation/fundraising opportunities in the future but is currently running one for the Children’s Miracle Network Canada Hospital until November 29th.
Another upcoming event Mazreku shared is their Grand Opening planned for the near future, as well as an ‘under wraps’ anticipated announcement, including the already-announced addition of a McDonald’s franchise. The Independent will keep updated on the relevant dates to these events and announcements.
It is great to have a new location under new ownership which understands the importance of creating a relationship with our community, this can be observed by the increase in business and social media presence. Drop by their store to say ‘hello’ and grab a slice or other fantastic items such as wings, jalapeƱo poppers, panzerotti, calzones, deep-fried dill pickles, cheesy half-moon garlic strips, funnel cake sticks, and so much more!
There is always a deal waiting for you, so call 519-667-1111, visit pizzapizza.ca, order from their mobile app, and like them on Facebook. Hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.