Pizza N’ Brew sits at the old City Pizza location in Crescent Plaza. (photo by John Morton)
By John Morton
The business formerly known as City Pizza has changed its name, but it remains part of the family.
It transitioned in October under the new ownership of Frank Segreti, who took over the longtime Siesta Key restaurant, located at 6645 Midnight Pass Rd. in the Crescent Plaza, that was being operated by his mother. It has been rebranded as Pizza N’ Brew, and it will rely upon the family’s original marinara sauce recipe that helped launch a New York-area chain of about a dozen pizza parlors back in the 1950s, beginning in the Bronx. Segreti’s grandfather started the business, which found its way to Siesta Key 32 years ago.
“We are happy to continue the family tradition in south Siesta Key with good pizza,” Segreti said. “Our new brand brings a modern touch to the food and a fun atmosphere.”
That includes interactive video games and several large TVs, creating a sports-pub atmosphere. The new menu features not only pizza but burgers, chicken wings, and salads.
Segreti’s plan took a detour because of COVID-19. His new venture was targeting downtown Sarasota as its first location, taking the place of the Tavern on Main pizzeria, with St. Pete and Tampa locations to follow. Meanwhile, his mother would operate City Pizza for one more year.
But things were put on hold, so the Siesta Key locale became the natural place to get the ball of dough rolling.
“We had to pivot, but it’s truly a happy coincidence for us to start where it all began,” Sean Diener, chief operating officer, said. “Having 32 years of history here is no small fete and we hope to not only replicate that success but take it to another level.”
Business hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Outdoor dining is available on the restaurant’s side deck. If you’d like to order online, visit pizzanbrew.com.
Author: John Morton