New Pizza Takeout and Delivery Opens in Andover

Pizza Connection, 38 Park Street, opened last month in the former location of Domino's Pizza. Coincidentally, owners Jeffrey Wise, Joseph O'Leary and Ryan O'Leary (no relation) all worked together at Domino's more than 20 years ago. Charles Silva, manager of the new establishment also managed the Andover Domino's, now at 63 Park Street.

But that is where the similarities between the two pizzerias end, according to Wise. 

"Our pizzas are hand tossed and made to order. We added a fryolator and grill and can offer a wide selection of specialty pizza, calzones, cold and hot subs, fries, wings and salads," he explained. 

He also pointed out that they deliver to all of Andover, most of North Andover and South Lawrence, and remain open until midnight during the week and 1 a.m. on the weekends. 

Wise said he started working at Domino's when he was at North Andover High School, worked his way up to manager, and then owned Pizzarino Bravo in Lawrence for 10 years. He eventually went back to school for Physical Therapy, but yearned to go back to the pizza business.

When Domino's relocated, he contacted his former co-workers."I always wanted to be in Andover," he said. All three still maintain their day jobs, although Wise said he was able to cut down on his hours.

While Pizza Connection is only open for lunch during the weekends, the owners are looking to grow the business.

"We are very popular with the hotels and schools, and are open until midnight during the week," he explained.

Wise said they sell a lot of specialty sandwiches including the "Fried Bologna" sandwich and the "Fried Heaven," a combination of fried chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, fries and sauce.

Also popular are the "Taco" and "Big Mack" pizzas, but he added they also have healthy salad and sandwich options.

Specials are listed on the website, Facebook and Twitter. And two large cheese pizzas are always $16.99, said Wise.

The owners, he said, came up with the name,"Pizza Connection" because they hope customers will think of them when they want a pizza or sub. Their slogan is "Hungry? Make the Connection!"

The hours are Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. - 12 a.m., and Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. They can be contacted at 978-474-4444.