WALLINGFORD – Fugget About It Pizza celebrated its opening in a storefront next to Holiday Cinemas this week.
Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. was on hand for the official opening on Tuesday, though the restaurant has been open since summer in the plaza at 970 N. Colony Road (Route 5). Owners Dave and Mike Dominello decided to wait until October to hold a ribbon cutting due to summer vacations.
For the Dominellos, owning a pizza store is a new endeavor. Dave Dominello still does security installations, while his son Mike Dominello has moved behind the pizza counter after 18 years with Walmart.
“This was one of the things on my bucket list, I guess you could say,” Dave Dominello said. “I’ve always had a desire to run a restaurant, and this opportunity was here. I figured why not?”
The opportunity presented itself after Ciao Bello pizza and restaurant closed and the storefront opened up. The Dominellos are confident their product will eventually bring a crowd.
“Any new restaurant takes time to develop,” Dave Dominello said. “So far, everyone that’s been here keeps coming back. We have a good amount of regular customers already.”
The restaurant offers specialty pizzas, including the Loaded Mash Potato Pie, which includes mashed potatoes, bacon and mozzarella cheese. Other specialty pies include a Tandoori Chicken pizza, All-Star Buffalo Chicken and Taco Pizza.
“We have lots of interesting pizzas, and want to attract people from all walks of life,” Dave Dominello said.
Despite the closing of Ciao Bello, the Dominellos believe their business can thrive in the same location. They have already been encouraged by the customers from the movie theater. The business offers a two dollar discount on pizza for anyone who comes in with their movie stub.
“It’s all about getting the word out,” Mike Dominello said. “Everyone that’s come in loves the atmosphere and the mood in here...our interactions with customers are different. We have tables talking to each other. It’s relaxed.”
Fugget About It also has a lunch menu served and offers delivery services to Meriden and Wallingford.
rchichester@record-journal.com
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