Story by Julie Carasone
This past Saturday, Paul Beradini, “Big Pauly’s Pizza”, made his last pizza and wings and said goodbye to his loyal customers and friends.
After 15 years of being in the pizza business, Pauly decided to retire.
“I was getting tired and there is a lot of competition out there and I thought it was time to step away. I turned 50, both of my parents are gone, siblings are out of the area, and all I have here in town is my son, aunts, uncles and cousins, which is awesome. I just want to start doing something for myself.”
Pauly says he loved seeing his customers smile when they came in to eat.
“They were hungry, we fed them, and they were happy. That made me proud. That made me happy that I took care of so many people in this community, I fed them, I donated, I held their children when they ate. I am going to miss all that,” says Beradini.
He will miss his customers and working with his son Jordan.
“He was by my side for 10 years, we grew together. He was here for me. He was here for me, not for the money or fame. He was here for me, his dad.”
Asked what his future plans are?
“I don’t know yet, I am going to take the month of December to relax. I sold cars before, worked in factories, drove limos. I have a number of things I can do. We are just looking forward to going somewhere as a family. I would like to do something with them, because of all the hard work they have done.”
Beradini says he wants to thank all of his loyal customers over the years.
“Thank you for all your love and support for the last 15 years. I don’t want you to think I am abandoning you, but I have to move on. I want to thank Jessica for all her help and the boys Noah and Jayden, I love you guys, and don’t worry Noah, Angela (the new owner of the shop), said she will let you come and cup blue cheese.”