Tiny Pizza Shop Gives Away Hot Slices to City Workers Plowing Snow All Night
In a time of streamlining and big name brands, it’s rare to see hometown favorites recognized nationally. There are plenty of mom and pop operations that struggle to stay in business as they compete with chains. Nevertheless, small businesses can often offer homey services that larger corporations can’t.
Jimmy’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Troy, New York, is a local favorite for many reasons. It was started, obviously, by a man named Jimmy, who ran the place for nearly four decades before passing the baton to his protege.
“Jimmy’s Pizzeria and Restaurant was created by James Farley back in 1980,” the “about” section of the restaurant’s Facebook page reads. “Jimmy built and ran a successful business in the Lansingburgh community for 38 years.”
“After 38 years of business and support to the community it became time for Jimmy to enter into retirement and enjoy life with his dedicated wife and children. On July 30 2018 Jimmy ‘passed the torch’ over to Tony Buchanan, an employee of his for over 20 years.”
“Tony will continue the Jimmy’s Pizzeria and Restaurant tradition by providing the same service Jimmy did as a business owner and community supporter. Jimmy’s Pizzeria and Restaurant looks forward to serving the customers of Troy, Cohoes, Waterford, Green Island and other neighboring communities.”
While the eatery is being run by a new name, patrons of the pizza place claim that Buchanan is doing Jimmy proud by keeping the recipes delicious and running the business well.
“Tony, you are just like Jimmy,” one happy customer commented on their page. “It is nice when owners come out of the kitchen with a smile and talk to their patrons. Love small businesses. We have been going to Jimmy’s since it opened and still enjoy coming. We love that the food is still Jimmy’s recipes and delicious.”
Not only is Buchanan busy keeping Jimmy’s legacy alive, but he’s also busy feeding city employees who have been hard-pressed to deal with all the snow the area has been experiencing.
In a great act of goodwill, Buchanan posted an announcement to Facebook on Jan. 19 inviting city workers who have been tasked with removing snow to come in for free coffee and pizza.
“In support of our city workers that will be out all evening and night and tomorrow, we are offering free slices to our city workers today and tomorrow that are out plowing,” the post reads. “Stop by for some slices and even fill up your coffee mugs on us as you keep the roads safe for all of us! Feel free to take a seat in the dining room if you need a break!”
People from all over have been impressed with the offer, noting that many just complain about city workers and don’t feel the need to support them. Hot pizza and coffee might sound like an odd combination, but after a day of plowing snow, what better way to warm up?
“I’m offering free slices and coffee and a place for city employees to sit down and take a break,” Buchanan told News 10. “They are out there all day and all night making sure the roads are good for us and making sure my drivers can get around. So if they need a break they can stop by here grab a couple slices.”
It’s nice for Buchanan to recognize the effort put into keeping the streets clear. He’s continued his pizza and coffee offer to workers out in the elements on Sunday, as well.
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