More than one year after it was sold and closed for renovations, New Canaan Pizza has reopened with both the same classic recipes and an expanded menu.
Jose and Delma Gutierrez, owners of New Canaan Pizza & Taqueria, reopened at 53 East Ave. with the same great Greek-style pizza and an additional Mexican food menu. Credit: Michael Dinan
According to Jose Gutierrez, the new owner of a cherished East Avenue business that the same family had operated for more than 40 years, Tommy Romas himself will return to work the very same ovens that made New Canaan Pizza’s Greek-style pies a must-have for generations of locals.
“I feel very excited,” Gutierrez said Monday afternoon from behind the counter at what is now known as ‘New Canaan Pizza & Taqueria,’ a familiar, cozy commercial space at 53 East Ave. “We are back in business after a long remodeling process and some circumstances that were against our will. Tommy, he is going to come refresh the menu and make sure the customers are aware the recipe is still as it was 30 years ago, and we added a Mexican menu.”
New Canaan Pizza & Taqueria has reopened at 53 East Ave. in New Canaan after about one year of remodeling. Credit: Michael Dinan
He added: “We don’t want to disturb the pizza recipe.”
The additional new menu—including Soft Corn Tortilla Tacos with steak, chicken, spicy pork, chorizo or tongue ($3.50), Tortas ($10), Tacos Dorados ($9), Burritos ($10), Tostadas ($9) and Quesadillas ($8)—is designed to serve contractors in New Canaan who are seeking authentic Mexican cuisine, Gutierrez said.
“I have been in town for the last 30 years and there was no restaurant in town that met my needs with an authentic Mexican menu,” he said. “It is especially for contractors who come to town to work. Sometimes these people would have to go to Norwalk for an authentic Mexican menu.”
A former driver at New Canaan Lawn Equipment on Cross Street who started his own still-active landscaping business, Gutierrez said he himself became an avid fan and regular customer of New Canaan Pizza 30 years ago.
“I miss my old pizza,” he said. “This was my favorite place to eat pizza.”
A Grand Opening with specials is planned for early April.