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From New York to Palmy North
Jack always knew he wanted to do something customer focused. His journey began with a one-year internship at a craft beer company in New York, where he developed a love for quality beer, pizza by the slice and hospitality.
In 2016, after backpacking through Asia and managing a brewery in Australia, Jack moved to New Zealand and fell in love with the country. After managing a brew bar in Wellington, he saw an opportunity in Palmerston North to create a fun, inclusive space where everyone could enjoy great food and drink.
Jack envisioned a place that went beyond the industrial look of typical breweries, focusing instead on inclusivity and community. He felt that Palmy was the perfect location to test the waters on a concept that went against the status quo – and now with a cult following, it’s clear that the pizza joint has been well received in Palmerston North.
Let the good times roll
Jack explains that the vibe and decor at Tony's Pizza are all about creating an inclusive and fun space. He wanted to bring good memories and positive nostalgia into everything they do. The board and arcade games, lighting, music, and booth seating are all set up to make customers feel relaxed and happy.
When it came to developing the branding, a lot of work was put into getting the perfect shades of orange and blue and picking a retro-inspired font for the logo. It’s more than just beer and pizza; it’s about creating a place where people can have a great time.
The name "Tony's Pizza" adds a personal touch. Tony is Jack's middle name, but it also has that old-school, familiar feel you get from classic pizza spots in New York. Tony’s Pizza is all about making people feel welcome, like they’re part of the community. Staff are trained to greet everyone with a warm, casual, yet professional vibe to ensure that regardless of whether a customer is a regular or a first timer, they’ll be made to feel at home at Tony’s Pizza.
A community hub
Tony's Pizza has become a hub for families and people from all walks of life to enjoy a slice and refreshing pint of craft beer. The venue is dog-friendly, featuring a wall of Polaroid pictures of customers’ pets. Games are an integral part of the experience, from foosball to board games, the extensive and nostalgic collection provides fun for all ages.
Jack notes many memorable moments seen at Tony’s Pizza include grandparents playing games with their grandkids, parents enjoying a relaxed dining experience without worrying about entertaining their children, and first dates breaking the ice with games. The venue has even catered wedding after-parties, highlighting its versatility as a community space.
Make a night out of it
Tony's Pizza hosts a variety of events and promotions. Every Friday, they feature a new craft beer release, showcasing some of the best brews in the country. Jack takes pride in their top-notch beer selection, which is central to their mission of showcasing only New Zealand’s freshest and best craft beer selection.
Monthly events include a popular quiz night on the first Tuesday of every month, while on the second Tuesday of each month, Tony's Pizza transforms into a comedy club, hosting professional and semi-pro comedians from across the lower North Island.
Starting in September, they will also launch live music nights, focusing on homegrown, local talent. Jack is excited about this addition, as it aligns with their goal of creating a community hub. The frequency of these music nights will depend on the availability of the artists, but the emphasis will be on showcasing local talent.
A slice above the rest
Tony's Pizza isn't just a place to eat; it's a vibrant community hub where everyone feels welcome. One customer raved, "I honestly cannot recommend Tony's enough. The best tasting and most consistent pizza in Palmy. If you live here, you should be coming in on the regular, and if you're from out of town, you need to make sure you visit when you're in town."
Jack and his team have successfully created a space where great food, good times, and a strong sense of community come together. Whether you're enjoying a slice, trying out a new craft beer, or participating in one of their many events, Tony's Pizza is the place to be in Palmerston North.
Palmerston North City i-SITE
The Square, Palmerston North
0800 MANAWATU
(626 292)
[email protected]
Feilding and District
Information Centre
Feilding Railway Station
61 Aorangi Street
+64 6 323 3318
[email protected]
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