by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Tucked away on one of downtown’s quietest streets, Big Pete’s Pizzeria is experiencing a bit of a rebirth. Among the changes at the family owned restaurant: new ownership and a new menu.
“We’re very excited to be here in downtown Jacksonville,” General Manager Nathan Siva said. “There’s so much opportunity here and I don’t think there could be a better time to be in business.”
Siva’s family purchased the pizzeria on Julia Street in December from Joel Harn, a Savannah-based restaurateur who, for less than six months, operated downtown.
The Sivas are of Indian descent and came here from Kansas.
“We think we were very lucky and business continues to pick up,” Siva said. “After we took over, there was a brief time where people just had to get used to us, but we got through it.”
All-new recipes, made-from scratch pizza dough, several new menu items — they include sandwiches, pastas and salads — and free delivery service are helping, he said.
“We wanted to offer something special to downtown,” Siva said. “So we’ve worked very hard to create delicious recipes and the best customer service possible.”
That commitment to customer service is just another facet to the new Big Pete’s.
“We’re a family business and we want everyone who comes through the door to feel like they’re a part of our family, too,” Siva said. “Plus we’re a great deal for all of the people who work down here and don’t have a lot of time to have lunch.”
Big Pete’s is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m and Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.