The right mix of ingredients is critical for any tasty recipe and Anthony Bruno, the founder of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, has not only created great recipes but a thriving restaurant concept as well.
Bruno attributes the concept’s success to a combination of top-quality ingredients, authentic coal-burning ovens and personal service. Every pizza that’s served at Anthony’s restaurants is cooked in a proprietary 800-degree, anthracite coal-burning oven that provides a “well done” flavor – the chain’s trademark.
The Anthony’s Aventura restaurant, located at 17901 Biscayne Blvd. in the Aventura Plaza shopping center, has prospered since opening in 2006. Server Melissa Ramirez says the team’s focus allows them to handle the large crowds the Aventura location draws nightly.
“It’s a great work environment because we all get along so well,” Ramirez said.
A shining star in the Anthony’s “family,” Ramirez has worked at the Aventura location for three years and also assisted in opening Anthony’s restaurants throughout South Florida.
Her customers love all the items on the menu, but Ramirez’s personal favorite is the Philly Cheesesteak Pie. She also loves the Paul and Young Ron, named after the popular Big 105.9 radio hosts, who are also frequent customers. It includes ricotta cheese, sausage, meatballs and a choice of either hot or sweet peppers.
Known for its simple and consistent menu, the restaurant also features its award-winning coal-oven-roasted chicken wings topped with grilled onions and signature Italian-style salad, as well as other Italian specialties. And, there’s much more than the standard fare when it comes to pizza toppings at Anthony’s. Customers can choose arugla or anchovies, prosciutto or pepperoni as well as Anthony’s specialties like the fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil pie (without sauce), White pizza (ricotta, mozzarella and Romano cheese) or the Eggplant Marino, named after the Hall of Fame Miami Dolphins quarterback and Anthony’s partner.
“It’s got ultra-thin slices of eggplant dusted with parmesan cheese,” Bruno said. “Danny just loves it.”
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is open 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. In addition to dining in, patrons have the option of take out by calling 305-830- 2625; anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com
