The Go-To Choice:Pizza Center Celebrates 55 Years Serving Winthrop

Whether you are a Friday night pizza party kind of customer or someone who opts for a lunchtime slice, there is a good chance that Pizza Center is your go-to choice for the classic dinner option. For 55 years as of May, this business has seen an influx of regular customers and has become a staple in the town, and for good reason, as the most recent owner, Danielle Cadigan, is dedicated to the community. Cadigan has been the owner of the popular business for 13 years and believes that the support of the town is what has helped her excel in creating a well-loved product year after year. She is a firm believer of keeping what works in place, which is why she still uses the original recipe and the pizzas are baked in the original ovens, dating back to May 8, 1963, when the doors were first opened by Frank and Nina Russo.

Cadigan has made it a point to give back to the community by way of her business which is why she employs high school students who are looking to get their first job. This desire to offer students their first jobs, stems from her own personal experience, as she started working at Pizza Center when she was just 16 years old.

“I’m so thankful for the support of the town and my family,” said Cadigan, who saw her busiest year in 2017. “I love having a business in town and giving back to the community.”

Giving back to the community is a theme at Pizza Center, as Cadigan is known for helping the schools out with banquets and sporting events and has played a role in raising money for the high school during football games by offering discounted pizzas. While she is proud of the work that she does in the community, she credits the store’s manager, Nicole Herdt, for keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Herdt, who was hired when she was a student, has been working as Cadigan’s sidekick for ten years.

“I’ve seen these kids grow up over the years, and watched them go off to college,” said Cadigan, who is a big believer in making connections with her customers and her staff.