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A South Florida-based purveyor of crispy pizzas, finely cooked eggplant, and wings has its sights set on Massachusetts in a big way. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza opens its second Massachusetts location today in Reading, according to Boston Restaurant Talk, and three additional restaurants are in the works.
The chain of coal-fired pizza restaurants got its start in South Florida in 2002 when its namesake unveiled the concept after years spent growing up around the restaurant industry (Anthony's father, Anthony Sr., is the man behind a long-running Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.)
Anthony's is known for its coal-fired pizzas that are cooked at 800 degrees, giving the crust a crispy char in just four minutes.
In 2015, Anthony's opened its first Massachusetts location in Westwood, and after today's Reading opening, the company has plans to open a restaurant in Northborough in February or March, one in Littleton in May, and a Newton location sometime in October or November, though an exact address for Newton is not set.
The Reading restaurant at 48 Walkers Brook Dr. is approximately 3,200 square feet and will ultimately hire around 45 employees.
In addition to the classic coal-fired pizzas, the restaurant will offer specialty pizzas, coal oven sandwiches, and family-style "Italian soul food" like the signature Eggplant Marino. (Yes, Pats fans, it is named after Dan Marino, who is an equity partner in the company.) Anthony's also serves New York-style cheesecake and coffee.
