Caliente Pizza & Draft House Owner Nick Bogacz: Patch Spotlight

Since opening the first Caliente Pizza & Draft House in Bloomfield in 2012, Nick Bogacz has become the CEO of a burgeoning local chain that now also has locations in Hampton, Mt. Lebanon, Aspinwall, Monroeville, Sewickley and Crafton. He also is the author of "The Pizza Equation," which was published in 2019. Impressive accomplishments for sure, but what about the man behind the award-winning pizza his restaurants serve? Patch wanted to know, so we asked him a few questions.

When you opened the first Caliente in Bloomfield, did you envision developing it into a local chain?

I always knew that I wanted it to become a destination restaurant. After the success of the Bloomfield location, I saw the vision of a local chain.

Any plans to make Caliente a national brand?

Yes.

Favorite thing in Pittsburgh that no longer exists?

That the locks on the Allegheny River were always open on weekends all the way from the Point to above Kittanning.

Most recent book read?

"Happy Money" by Ken Honda.

Movie you could watch any time?

"8 Mile."

Favorite pizza topping?

Pepperoni.

Early bird or late-nighter?

Late-nighter.

Favorite Pittsburgh restaurant (that you don't own)?

Willees Taven in Valencia.

Favorite adult beverage?

Non-alcoholic pina colada on a beach.

Favorite Pittsburgh national celebrity, living or dead?

Mr. Rogers.

Favorite local sports mascot: Steely McBeam, Pirate Parrot or Iceburgh?

Pirate Parrot.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

Bigfoot is only one search away from being found.