Recipe for Success - Local Pizzeria Brings Traditional Tastes to the Table

Celebrating 38 years in business, Bravo Pizza Restaurant has stood the test of time as a family favourite among locals.

In 1978, Mike Stefanidis immigrated to Canada from a small farm town in Greece. He landed in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and started working at his cousin’s pizza restaurant.

“My cousin Tom spent many years working for the Leaning Tower of Pizza in Las Vegas. He created pizzas for celebrities such as Elvis, Diana Ross, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. to name a few,” Mike describes “Tom taught me how to hand stretch pizza and is my biggest inspiration. He was the driving force for why I wanted to open my own pizzeria and to be good at it,” he continued.  

In 1984, Mike moved to Riverview. A year later he partnered up with a friend to open the first Bravo Pizza Restaurant in Moncton. He later bought out his partner and opened a takeout location in Riverview.

“Riverview is unique. Everyone knows everyone, and no matter where you go, there’s always someone who’s friendly. I knew this was the right location to be,” he explained.

In 1999, he decided to relocate the Moncton location to 567 Coverdale Road in Riverview, and it’s been there ever since.

So, what makes Bravo Pizza stand out from its competitors?

“We’re the only "pizzeria" in the Greater Moncton Area that operates the old fashion way; we hand stretch and bake in a stone oven,” explained Mike. “We have built a great relationship with our customers, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”

Looking to try some authentic pizza pies? Come on by Bravo Pizza! Mike and his wife Eleni are always welcoming and will make you feel like family. They also have a long running policy that if the Toronto Maple Leafs win the cup, it's free pizza for everyone!