Brando’s Pizza: More than your neighborhood pizzeria

LANCASTER- Admit it… You love pizza. You crave pizza and the thought of melting cheese makes you salivate. And there’s nothing better than enjoying a crusty, saucy, cheesy meal from Lancaster’s own, Brando’s pizza.

Moving the pizzeria all over Western New York, Tom Irish, owner of Brando’s Pizza, started his business in 1991 in Blasdell, eventually moving to the Southgate Plaza in West Seneca, and then finally settling in Lancaster for five years at the corner of Aurora and William streets.

Making this his final stop, said Irish. The pizzeria has now been relocated to 155 Lake Ave., at Como Park Boulevard.

“I always wanted to open my own business,” remarked Irish. “I learned this business from my cousin, who owns Town Line Pizza in Alden. I was there first employee there in 1986.”

After 21 years of being in business, Irish said their signature item has become the Buffalo-Style Pizza. Made with Brando’s special sauce, mozzarella cheese, and topped with diced deep fried chicken tenders in hot, medium or mild sauce, it is a popular choice.

“We sell a lot of those,” commented Irish. “It’s our special on Mondays.”

The menu not only offers a wide selection of pizzas, but calzones, salads, subs, chicken wings, and much more.

Also, a must try and winner of the 2009 Taste of Lancaster Mayor’s Choice Award is the pepperoncini beef sub, which includes slow cooked beef, pepperoncini and spices baked with mozzarella cheese, a prefect meal for those who enjoy spicy foods.

For those who don’t know yet, the new home for Brando’s Pizza offers more than just pizza. Irish has kept Lakeside Deli and elements of the mini mart open within the building. The full service deli is opened for sandwiches, homemade soups, chili, and breakfast sandwiches with coffee, and the mini mart offers staple items, including bread, canned goods, and a variety of beverages, candy, chips, and more.

Patrons can also continue to enjoy playing the Lotto.

“We tried to keep everything, at least part of everything, that’s always been here,” said Irish. “This has been a corner store, convenient store, deli for 40 years. That’s what people in this area think of this spot so we tried to keep some things the same.”

Irish said they made a ton of changes to the interior of building and one of the changes included adding a small ice cream room that will be opened during the summer.

“There are a lot more people walking around here in the village and they can stop by and enjoy some ice cream,” remarked Irish.

Also, not only does Brando’s Pizza contribute to the community by serving up delicious pizza, but they also find it is important to help with fundraising events and provide discounts to local schools. It’s just one way Irish can help out and get involved in the community.

Brando’s Pizza offers daily specials and catering is also available. Patrons can check out the pizzeria’s menu and/or catering menu by visiting www.Brandos-Pizza.com. Takeout and delivery is offered every day of the week. To order, call 683-2300.

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to midnight Friday; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.