Tremblay: Tossing Pies And Seeking Council Re-election

By Susan Bush
07:32AM / Friday, May 04, 2007

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City business owner and City Councilor Christopher Tremblay is opening the North Adams Pizza Co. and seeking relection to the council. Tremblay was photographed at the new Holden Street eatery with a wood-fired pizza oven. [Photo by Sue Bush]

North Adams - City Councilor and city business owner Christopher Tremblay decided that when it comes to commerce in the downtown, actions speak louder than words.

The North Adams Pizza Co. Coming To Holden Street

Tremblay plans to open a third city-based business and is hoping to welcome patrons to the North Adams Pizza Co. on Holden Street on June 1.

The owner of the Tremblay Electrical Services Co., Tremblay said his first job had little to do with electricity.

"My first job was washing dishes at the Golden Eagle restaurant," he said. "After a few days I was behind the line [working in the kitchen as a cook]. I worked my way up from a dishwasher to running the barbecue at the Orchards [under previous ownership]. I've always loved it and I've always wanted a little restaurant."

Tremblay is occupying the space once operated as Hickory Bill's. He bought the business for about $9,000 and total renovation, equipment purchase, and other costs currently total about $40,000, he said.

Room For Many Tablecloths

He is confident that he will be able to hold his own among the city's eateries.

He has joined the Berkshire Grown initiative, which promotes the use of locally-grown vegetables and other products, and will rely on Berkshire-cultivated vegetables as as much as possible, he said,

Cheeses will come from a cheese house in Boston's North End; venue cheesemakers hand-make the mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta cheeses, he said.

"We're going for an 'Old World pizza joint,'" he said. "And I believe that there is room in the city for white tablecloth, checkered table cloth, and even no tablecloth."

A wood-fired pizza oven that also can operate with gas has been installed at the shop and the oven is a key factor for turning out pizza quickly. Wood-fired ovens are significant to pizza with a nice crust as well, he said.

The restaurant will feature sit-down and take-out service and feature an "All-You-Can-Eat" pizza night on Mondays. Plans include a daily special of two pizza slices and a draft soft drink for $5.25.

Annmarie Belmonte has been hired as the manager and her efforts, such as the menu design and painted wall designs, are evident within the eatery's interior. Tremblay said he plans to hire between five to 10 more people.

How 'Bout A Nice Mohawk Meatball?

The menu tempts with items named to draw attention to the city.

A "MCLA" hoagie sandwich will be made with "Meat, Cheese, Lettuce, And tomatoes," the "Mohawk Meatball" will include sauce, cheese, onions and peppers, and the "Mt. Greylock Club" will be built using fried chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.

Patrons may purchase a "Baby Dam" salad or a larger version called "Natural Bridge."

Wedgie Or Nurple, Your Choice

Specialty pizzas include the "Veggie Wedgie" and an eggplant pizza called "Purple Nurple." Mushroom lovers might be enticed by a "Fungus Amungus" pizza while a cheese aficionado might prefer a "Lottza Mottza" pie.

The menu includes side dishes and appetizers as well as "by the pound" items such as pasta or potato salad. Items are priced from$3.50 for "starters" to $16 for specialty pizzas. The shop offers stromboli, calzones, and dinners including lasagna [$7.50]and a fried chicken meal [$8}.

"I Believe In This City"

"I believe in the city," he said, and noted that his Union Street-based firm is doing well. "There are bumps in the road - when you own a business, there always are- but I do believe and I've always believed that it is not the job of the city to provide my customers. I'm the person who has to go out and get the customers, I'm the one that has to promote my product. And I believe that this Holden block is a diamond in the rough."

Business ownership is a tremendous responsibility and a tremendous amount of work, he said.

Tossing The Pies

"I'll be the one tossing the pies here on Sunday," he said. "It's a labor of love and it's a lot of hours. As the owner of what people think of as a trade business, I can tell you that the tradesmen all understand that we are in this together. We try to help each other, we support each other. I know that there are other local businesses that feel that way; there is a bed and breakfast that buys their candles from the Berkshire's Best store [another Tremblay business located next to the electric company shop]."

He is aware that different businesses require different strategies, he said, and emphasized that he does not consider himself an expert on all endeavors.

"I know what's worked for me. I'm here to run my businesses, not anyone else's."

Diamond In The Rough

Tremblay pointed to the pizza restaurant's location, which is in proximity to the Northern Berkshire Juvenile Court and sandwiched smack-dab between a major intersection and Main Street. He is leasing the space from Scarafoni Associates and said that Scarafoni partner David Carver has been extremely cooperative.

"He really has been good, very accommodating, and he's put a lot of money into the downtown," Tremblay said. "He's put a lot into this building in particular."

Tremblay said he is committed to being a part of the city's commercial support system.

"Could we do a little more? Maybe," he said of those who have suggested that city officials become more involved with downtown promotion. "Maybe a DIF could help a little more. It is something that can be used to reward and maintain investment. But people have to generate their own customer base. And the city does keep the downtown attractive with the flowers and the lighting, with keeping things clean."

Tremblay Will Seek Re-election

He will seek another two-year City Council term, he said during the interview.

"I enjoy it. It's been a learning experience, and I've learned a lot of things. It's been a great two years."

He and city Mayor John Barrett II have had disagreements, Tremblay said but he stressed that the issues do not result in "grudges."

"We get past it and we move forward," he said. "And that is the key. We need to keep the city going forward. There's a lot going on here, a lot of positives and as far as I'm concerned, disagreements may happen but they can't interfere. You have to move on."

"I think [City Council members] work well together.There are some very good discussions. A lot goes on that people don't see. There is a lot of positive. And there is transparency in this government. People can come to these meetings. And I haven't been afraid to ask questions."

The North Adams Pizza Co., 20 Holden St., will open seven days a week. Hours are planned as Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. -10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.- midnight, and Sun. noon-10 p.m.

Once the eatery is opened, orders may be telephoned at 413-663-2870. A pizza delivery service is planned to launch in the future, Tremblay said.

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