Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Expands in Massachusetts

NEWTON, MA -- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza has more than 50 restaurants, and opened its first in the Bay State last year in Westwood at University Station Plaza.

The expansion was the first step toward a jump into the Bay State, one that was carefully planned by its COO Charles Locke and his somewhat reluctant backers, which include NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino, reports the Boston Business Journal.

Locke told the Business Journal that his backers supported the Ft. Lauderdale, FL’s move to Massachusetts because he pushed for it, saying, “It’s Boston. It’s pizza.”

Owner Anthony Bruno grew up on Long Island in a traditional Italian family, and his parents opened Anthony’s Runway 84 in South Florida three decades ago. Bruno, in 2002, he introduced the concept of coal oven pizza to South Floridians with Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. There are now locations throughout Florida, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and now Massachusetts.

Now with a year under its belt at the Westwood location, Anthony’s will open in Reading at 48 Walkers Brook Drive.

Anthony’s has planned openings in Northborough, Littleton and Newton, Locke told the Boston Business Journal, and also has plans to expand to Rhode Island.

Anthony’s unique pizza takes four minutes to cook, and has a “cult following.” In addition to the authentic pizzas, the restaurant served oven-roasted chicken wings, homemade meatballs, salads and Eggplant Marino.

Photo Credit: Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza