Less than a year into the pie-making business, Bigabaldi’s pizzeria has already closed its doors. Co-owner Bradley Davidson cites a lack of foot traffic in the area along with the plethora of cheaper chain pizza options nearby (there are four) as reasons leading to the closure. But New York-style pizza lovers fear not: Bigabaldi’s is preparing to return to the Toronto market in a few months.
Along with Davidson, co-owners Rob Prete (of Coquine) and Sandro Bustamente (executive chef at Coquine) will be re-opening the pizzeria at a new, smaller location in the Yonge and Eglinton area. The smaller location will also come with a smaller menu (expect less pastas and salads). Whether special treats such as the mozzarella rice balls will remain is yet to be determined.
Another change will be the absence of Davidson behind the counter. A former restaurant owner in Belize, he will be returning there to become the food and beverage director for Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux resorts. His role with Bigabaldi’s will be as a silent partner.
In the meantime, there's always deep dish pizza.