There’s a new pizzeria in Lutz that’s already the talk of the town — both for its unusual name and its excellent pizza.
Big Dog’s NYC Pizza, located in Sunset Plaza in downtown Lutz, opened this summer under the management of Kelly Lamplugh. The restaurant’s unique name honors her husband, Al, who is known as “Big Dog” to family members.
“My husband was a huge supporter of me starting this new venture,” said Kelly. “Plus, the name “Big Dog” was memorable and set us apart from other pizza places.”
Kelly is having fun with the “Big Dog” theme. Al built the front of an oversized dog house between the customer counter and the kitchen. When guests come into the restaurant, it’s the first thing they see.
“Everybody comments on the dog house when they come into the restaurant,” said Kelly.
Kelly is proud that most first-time customers become regular customers, coming back for great pizza that is fairly priced.
“We make everything from scratch, beginning with our pizza dough and pizza sauce.” said Kelly. “I buy fresh ingredients for toppings every day. Everything is fresh — nothing is canned or frozen.”
Big Dog’s NYC Pizza is the second pizzeria Kelly has operated. Before moving two years ago from Philadelphia to Wesley Chapel, she owned Broomall Pizza, a popular neighborhood restaurant in a suburb close to the city.
“I loved running Broomall Pizza,” said Kelly. “I was very sad to close the store after my husband’s company transferred him to Wesley Chapel.”
After working in the restaurant business for 20 years, Kelly changed careers when she moved to Florida and became a nurse. While she enjoyed nursing, she never got over her love of running a restaurant.
So when the opportunity arose to manage this Lutz restaurant, she jumped at the chance.
Kelly knew she wanted another pizzeria, and wanted to price her pizzas so families could afford them.
“When we moved to Florida, we thought Pizza here was very expensive,” said Kelly. “I really wanted to target a more affordable pizza for families like mine.”
Big Dog’s most popular pizza is The Carnivore, which Kelly says has 50 percent more meat than most meat-lover pizzas. Also popular are its meatball subs and Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches, both which come on Amorosco’s bread, a favorite Philadelphia bakery.
Other best sellers are the restaurant’s everyday family specials: $20 Family (Large, 16” cheese pizza, 6 garlic knots and 12 zeppoles); $22 Pup (Large 16” cheese pizza, 10 wings and salad); and $29 Big Dog (Large cheese pizza, 20 wings, 6 garlic knots and 2 liter soda).
813-803-7223 • 18421 Hwy. 41, Lutz
11-8 Mon – Thurs • 11-9 Fri – Sat • Closed Sundays
www.BigDogsPizzaLutz.com
