A large brick building. Bright red walls. Giant windows. A gold emblem above the doors. While this may sound like an ordinary firehouse, it is the newest restaurant in Milford: Fire Engine Pizza Co.
Fire Engine Pizza Co. began when co-owner Marty McCarthy’s old pizza restaurant, Black Rock, burned down. McCarthy, who had once wanted to become a firefighter, bought a firetruck, installed a brick oven in the back, and started selling pizza out of the truck. From there, Fire Engine Pizza Co. grew into three Connecticut locations known for their specialty pizza served out of old firehouses: one in Bridgeport, one in Shelton, and now one in Milford.
“It’s like an extension of the family,” says McCarthy.
Located at 204 Melba Street, the third Fire Engine Pizza Co. location has been in progress since 2016, when co-owners McCarthy and Phil Segneri purchased the firehouse. After much waiting, the restaurant finally opened on March 27, attracting a crowd of hungry customers excited to try the new restaurant.
“This is a great addition to our community and our businesses,” said Mayor Anthony Giannattasio at the grand opening.
McCarthy says the restaurant has been in the works for a long time, but he’s incredibly excited for it to be opening now. He says that he loves “being able to be a part of something.”
McCarthy says his favorite menu item is Carmine’s eggplant. Other recommendations from patrons include the mozzarella margherita pizza, the loaded mashed potato pizza, and the garlic bread.
The restaurant has been busy over the past few days, the red, yellow, and white interior packed full of customers, side by side with firehouse memorabilia. The circle of stools around the bar at the center is mirrored by TV screens above it, and the booths and tables around the perimeter of the restaurant are home to happy diners.
“I love the inside design and all the fireman decor,” says junior Luna Montanaro. “It’s a really cozy, nice place, and the waiters are really friendly.”
Many other rave reviews emphasize what customers find to be a wonderful atmosphere. With kind staff and delicious food, the restaurant is proving itself to be quite successful in its first few weeks of operation.
The best part of owning Fire Engine Pizza Co.? “I can eat whatever I want,” McCarthy jokes.
