Pizza Parma’s two locations in Pittsburgh served up free pizza on Thanksgiving as part of a holiday tradition. For a few hours, people from all over the city visited the Downtown and Shadyside restaurants to enjoy a hot, large cheese pizza.
The tradition, started by the Budak family, the owners of Pizza Parma, is a way to show appreciation for the community’s support.
“It’s a blessing that people know we are doing this, and the best part is doing it together,” said Ali Budak, owner of Pizza Parma.
Between the two locations, approximately 600 pizzas were given out from 10 a.m. to noon.
Customer Kelly Petrosky praised the initiative, saying, “A lot of people can’t afford homemade pizza, so this is really amazing. It’s wonderful what they’re doing for the community.”
The free pizza was available to anyone—whether they were working, passing by, or simply in need of a warm meal.
“I’m homeless right now and staying at a shelter. I saw the flyer and thought, ‘I want pizza.’ I haven’t had good pizza in a long time,” said Petrosky.
Ron Snedeker, a customer who works nearby, came in to try Pizza Parma for the first time. “I’m working down the street, so I thought I’d give it a try,” he said.
Many people, like Snedeker and Petrosky, were grateful for the owners and employees who chose to work on Thanksgiving instead of spending the day with their families.
“This lady has a special part in her heart to do this for everybody,” Snedeker said.
“I’m so thankful they opened their doors today. They could have been with their families, but they decided to give back for a couple of hours, and I think that’s amazing,” Petrosky added.
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