Just when it seemed consumers had seen it all in the Stamford, Connecticut food scene, an innovative, socially conscious, quality-driven pizza truck drove into town in the form of Little Box Pizza. In addition to authentic pizza made with honest ingredients and crafted-to-order, each mobile pizza kitchen is operated by a deserving, hard working individual who is being given a chance to make their future brighter.
Founders/restaurateurs Brad Nagy and Angelo Viscoso created Little Box Pizza based on their passion for great pizza and a big heart for people. As social entrepreneurs, the team has created a model for using the power of small business to solve social challenges and do good things for other people. Little Box Pizza was founded as a Benefit Corporation, scripting into the DNA of the company that it exists to pursue a social mission, not just a financial one. Other restaurants owned by this talented duo include: Frankie & Fanucci’s Wood Oven Pizzeria in Westchester County, New York; Sotto 13 in Manhattan; and il Fornetto in Brooklyn.
“We invest financially and personally to create a special small-business opportunity for each owner and their family. We believe that when the right people are given an opportunity, amazing things happen,” says Nagy.
Little Box Pizza’s first location is at the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, Connecticut, referred to as the “Fish Church,” at 1101 Bedford Street. The concept is unique in that it’s a mobile truck that stays in one place, operating as a pizza kitchen from which orders are taken, pizza is picked up, or even delivered by a driver. Customers can order their personal- or large-size pies truck-side at the kiosk or online, or satisfy their pizza fix by ordering from Little Box Pizza’s mobile app.
Brad and Angelo are thrilled to introduce Little Box Pizza’s first deserving owner /operator, James Gibson. Growing up on the streets of Bridgeport and Norwalk, Connecticut, James led a life filled with gangs, jail time, loss, and personal pain. Determined to end the cycle, James turned his life around and has emerged as a new man on solid ground, with a family to support. Although working hard at fulltime jobs, James found himself 'underemployed' and struggled to make ends meet for his family. Enter Little Box Pizza. Today, James is on a path to small business ownership that that can shape his future. James is also active in his church and serves in various ministries helping young men find their way to a better life.
What makes Little Box Pizza special (besides the people who make it) is the use of fresh ingredients. The whole-milk mozzarella on every pie is 100% natural and free of any hormones or bleaching chemicals. The sauce is a simple recipe of sweet Italian tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and basil. The dough is made fresh daily from a blend of finely milled flours. Customers can create their own pie, from the sauce and the cheese to the toppings and even finishes such as EVOO or a balsamic glaze. Or they can experience one of Brad and Angelo’s favorites, such as the Carne, topped with sweet sausage, meatball, pepperoni, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, or the Shroom, made with finely chopped roasted mushrooms and shallots, fresh ricotta, mozzarella, chives, and truffle oil. Meatball sliders, hearty salads, and fresh stuffed cannolis round out the menu.
