Papi’s Pizza Pub is coming to Springfield with what owner Ryan Bandy describes as Latin-inspired pizzas, pastas, salads and sandwiches, plus American classics.
Bandy said he has purchased the property at 1710 S. MacArthur Boulevard that previously housed Pie’s the Limit. Owners Chris Hanken and Vic Lanzotti closed the restaurant at the end of July, along with Public House 29 in Rochester.
“I want a whole different look; I want to get away from the fast-casual feel,” said Bandy, although he does intend to offer counter service for customers who want to take their food to go. “My plan it to put in a bar area so people can sit at the bar, watch sports and have some good food. There will also be a dining area for people who just want to have a quick lunch,” he said.
Bandy also owns and operates Win, Lose, or Draught, 7004 Kingsmill Court. “This will be similar to WLD, an inviting atmosphere where anyone who comes in feels welcome – a good place to meet friends,” he said.
As for the Latin-inspired menu, Bandy said he travels frequently to Mexico and South America, “and it amazes me how popular pizza is in Latin America.” He hopes to incorporate some spicier flavors and dishes such as carna asada and Cubano sandwiches into the menu. “I want to incorporate some of those flavors you don’t see at other pizza parlors. We really don’t have anything in town that concentrates on Latin flavors with pizza.”
However, there will be plenty of traditional pizza and pasta dishes as well, and Bandy said he may try to keep some recipes similar to Pie’s the Limit. He’s also considering offering pizza by the slice and a pizza buffet for those looking for a quick meal.
Bandy said his opening date will depend on the permitting and remodeling process, but he’s targeting “late October or early November, very tentatively.”
He said he’s already received very positive feedback about his plans. “The community is really counting on us, so we need to have everything ready to go when we open our doors,” Bandy said.
