Billy Bricks Offering Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza In Clearwater

CLEARWATER, FL — A restaurateur is bringing a taste of Chicagoland wood-fired pizza to Clearwater.

Billy Bricks Pizza Cafe has opened its newest eatery at 1100 Cleveland St.

Founded 16 years ago, the Clearwater restaurant is the 10th Billy Bricks eatery.

"I had my first taste of wood-fired brick oven pizza during a vacation with my family in San Diego, California," said founder Bill Wilson. "Eight years later, I could still vividly remember that experience. I found myself longing for the crispy, chewy crust, the taste and aroma that come only from a wood-fired brick oven. Chicagoland was nearly devoid of any brick oven pizzerias at the time. With only a few places to get one in the city, I knew if I shared this type of pizza with others, they were sure to love it, too."

Wilson spent two years researching and developing designs for the perfect brick oven along with recipes and cooking techniques before opening his first restaurant in Lombard, Illinois.

The result of Wilson's research is a thin-crust, Neapolitan-inspired pizza baked in an authentic wood-fired brick oven.

Specialties include The Bricks with tomato sauce, mild and hot Italian sausage, mushrooms, shaved red onion, house cheese blend and a touch of Asiago cheese; Prosciutto & Baby Spinach with tomato sauce, fresh baby spinach, fresh Mozzarella topped with Prosciutto; the Quattro Fomaggi with tomato sauce, roasted garlic, house cheese blend with a touch of Asiago and shaved Parmesan; Artichoke and Pesto with sweet basil pesto, marinated artichoke hearts and grilled bell peppers, roasted garlic, house cheese blend and Parmesan; BBQ Chicken & Smoked Gouda with sweet barbecue sauce, oven-roasted chicken breast, shaved red onion, house cheese blend and smoked Gouda cheese.

Additionally, Billy Bricks offers wood-fired wings, Bruschetta, artichoke and spinach dip, Caprese, Jose's Meatballs, garlic bread and bread bites.

The eatery also offers fundraising opportunities and pizza-making classes.

With the opening of its first Tampa Bay Billy Bricks, the eatery plans to expand to Anna Maria Island, Tampa and Siesta Key as well as offer a Billy Bricks food truck in Tampa Bay.

The new Clearwater Billy Bricks is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Curbside pickup, carry-out and delivery are available. Click here to order online.