The iconic Pizza Man on Downer Avenue is more than just a pizzeria; it’s a beloved neighborhood institution known for its authentic and delicious take on a classic favorite. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Milwaukee, this eatery has been delighting locals and visitors alike with its diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere. Pizza Man is renowned for its signature thin-crust pizza, which boasts a perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures, adorned with fresh toppings sourced from local suppliers. Beyond its famous pizzas, Pizza Man offers an array of Italian-inspired dishes, including pastas, salads, and appetizers that cater to a variety of tastes. The restaurant’s inviting ambiance, complete with rustic decor and friendly staff, makes it an ideal spot for family gatherings, casual dinners or a cozy date night. With its commitment to quality and community, Pizza Man continues to be a cherished culinary gem in Milwaukee’s dining scene.
Many people enjoy going to this famous restaurant, including Sheerem, a frequent customer within the restaurant, who mentions that she enjoys the food due to its higher quality ingredients and overall tastyness. The food there is made of fresh ingredients that allow for its taste to be as delectable as possible. Each of the pizzas are crafted with an intentional selection of ingredients, featuring a perfectly crisp yet chewy crust, a robust tomato sauce made from sun-rippened tomatoes, and a generous smattering of high-quality cheese that melt into a gooey, flavorful delight. Toppings range from classic pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous choices like truffle oil and artichokes. The food is enjoyable to everyone, including Alice, a seventh grader at St. Robert, although she prefers a different type of food: chicken tenders.
Pizza Man wasn’t always like this though. Steven Potter, a reporter, wrote an article on the fire that impacted this local hot spot: at around 3:30 in the morning on January 19th, 2010, a thunderous boom rang throughout the city. Firefighters quickly leapt to the scene, but they couldn’t put out the large fire with the small personnel they had. The cold temperature, 0 degrees fahrenheit, froze the water so the fire was not going any lower. Over one-hundered and fifty firefighters were on the case to put the fires out and a five hour time period before they got it under control. The entire building was ruined by the end; the east end of the building’s apartments had collapsed through the floor. A retired fire detective on the case said that the few businesses in the building, Grecian Delight, the Black And White Cafe, Cush Lounge, and the 10 apartments were all completely ruined after the fire.
Feras Ramen, the owner of the Black And White Cafe, was eventually arrested despite Andy Karabelas, the owner of the Grecian Delight, having been most likely due to his situation. The only evidence of a non-accidental fire was gasoline spilt within the Black And White Cafe, yet the case was never solved.
Afterward, a new Pizza Man was opened, and then another new one after that, until Downer Avenue’s was open and running. Although the locations are different, the new location will forever hold the legacy.
References
Potter, Steven. “Getting Away With Arson: The True-Crime Story Behind the Pizza Man Fire.” Unity Awards, 23 July 2018, www.milwaukeemag.com/getting-away-arson-true-crime-pizza-man-fire/.
