JWs Introduces Marco Pizzeria

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Jay Silva can’t hide his enthusiasm about adding Marco Pizzeria to compliment his JW Restaurant on Putnam Street.

Silva purchased JW’s from Bob Deeb on July 1. At the time the pizzeria connected to the restaurant had had a fire. Silva has now rebuilt the area and is announcing the addition of Marco, a pizzeria with take out and delivery. There is also seating for 50 with a bar, all separate from JW’s right next door. The name of the pizzeria comes from the chef, Marco Orfaly.

But Marco is more than just a pizzeria. There are sandwiches, appetizers, salads, flatbread, calzones, pizza and Italian entrees. In addition there will be “chalkboard” specials written on the wall. There is also a cozy fireplace.

Silva’s vision is to have a creative American place and now he has a great mix of two places. People told him they wanted Italian food and now the menu reflects a good mix.

Silva has lived in Winthrop for eight years, but he’s been coming to Winthrop for longer than that.

“I love the town and I love it here,” Silva said as he showed off Marco. “I want this to be a great local place.”

He believes his work ethic in and out of the kitchen comes from his time at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston where he worked for three years. He also worked at Bambara in Cambridge. All total there are 40 people working between JW’s and Marco.

Silva is also bringing back live entertainment on weekends with groups such as Vinyl Groove, Bruce Bartlett and more.

“There is something for everyone,” Silva said, adding that space at Marco is also available to rent. “We’re also planning for New Year’s Eve too.”

On Thursday, Dec. 8 there will be a grand opening of Marco from 5-10 p.m. Helping celebrate will be hockey greats Mike Eurizione and Rick Middleton.

“I want a family of four to come in for dinner and not break the bank,” Silva said.