Big Poppa’s Pizza, a new pizzeria in Sioux Falls, opened today at 2300 S. Minnesota Ave., in the space previously occupied by Bella Cucina and Pizza di Paolo. The restaurant specializes in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and New York-style hand-tossed pizza, offering a unique twist on local dining.
Owner Tony Axtell explained the goal is to offer something different for pizza lovers. “We’re trying to put a unique stamp in town when it comes to pizza. We definitely have our own taste and profile. People are going nuts for the sauce and the crust,” he said.
During a soft-opening event last week, deep-dish pizzas sold out, and the restaurant’s garlic knots were a big hit with guests. Big Poppa’s Pizza offers both build-your-own and specialty pizza options. Specialty pies include choices like taco, buffalo chicken, and the Widow Maker, which features beer cheese sauce, beef, bacon, and jalapenos.
The hand-tossed pizzas come in 12-, 14-, and 16-inch sizes, while the deep-dish versions are available in 12- or 14-inch sizes. A gluten-free option is also offered in a 12-inch size. Other menu items include cheese sticks, a salad, and garlic knots as appetizers, as well as dessert pizzas and New York-style cheesecake, available whole or by the slice.
While Big Poppa’s offers Coke and Pepsi products, the restaurant does not yet have an alcohol license. For now, diners can enjoy pizza by the slice during lunch hours, and a daily lunch special offers two slices of pizza and a drink for $10, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Slices include options from the specialty pizza menu, and Axtell hinted that they may be available in the evenings in the future.
Big Poppa’s also offers a free lunch to on-duty law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Starting next month, the menu will expand to include pasta dishes, including gluten-free options.
The pizzeria has seating for about 50 customers at booths and tables. Online ordering is available, with delivery to Sioux Falls, Hartford, Brandon, Tea, and Harrisburg once the computer system issues are resolved.
Axtell said the staff, which includes workers from the Big Poppa’s Food Truck, has undergone extensive training, and he is still hiring additional team members. Currently, the restaurant’s hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
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