Grand Pizza Holds Ribbon Cutting
By Robin Vinci | Editor at July 28, 2024 | 2:00 pm | Print
It has been open for a few months, but on July 21 the official ribbon cutting took place for Grand Pizza at 136 Main St.
Owner Tommy Qoku has a long history of making great pizza and Italian foods.
“I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Staten Island in 2003,” he said. “I opened my first business in Brooklyn. My uncle eventually took it over.”
In 2007 Qoku opened Apicius Pizza in Astoria, Queens. In 2011 another uncle took over that business. In 2012 he opened Lenny’s Pizza in Sunnyside, Queens.
“I am still the owner, but I have family members and good employees running the show,” Qoku said.
Qoku originally came to New Britain to look at purchasing a building across from C-Town. He did not get the building. But, upon getting coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts he noticed the Andrew Building.
“This area is beautiful and I did not see any good restaurants and good food so I saw a sign on the building and gave Avner (Krohn of Jasko Development) a call to see if I could bring something here,” said Qoku. “He came to my store in Queens because he is from New York. He stayed more than an hour seeing how I operate. He said he would not rent it to just any person. He thought I would be good. This place had 5 different owners. He wanted the right person and picked me.”
So far business has been good at Grand Pizza, but Qoku would like to see more people come for dinner.
“There is plenty of parking after 5 p.m. You can park across the street, the area on the side or even in front,” he said.
And if you come out be prepared for everything, from Mescium Salad to paninis, to parmagiana, to A La Vongole, to ravioli, to seafood, to specialty pizzas and so much more. Desserts include tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, tartufo and chocolate mousse.
Qoku said he has no specialty dish.
“Pizzas are good, but there is no one specialty. I even make stuff not even on the menu. I have specials each month, but everything is special to me,” he said. “I don’t want to pick one. They are just like a kid. You love them all the same. You can’t choose which one to love most.”
The best sellers are often called the Grand Pizza or the Grand Salad. Pizzas range from the Grandma Pizza and a fresh mozzarella pan pizza to more typical choices like pepperoni.
Grand Pizza offers take out or dine in and fits about 100 people including the bar area. It is open Sundays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to midnight.
There presently is a Happy Hour Special from July 21-Aug. 21 for $2 beers.
To see a menu visit www.grandpizzact.com or to place an order call 860-259-5512. See specials on page 1 of the City Journal.
