A vintage-inspired pizzeria is coming soon to 160 Huron Street in Greenpoint. Owned by restaurateur Jimmy Kunz, Rita’s Pizzeria is set to create a lively space for people of all walks of life in Brooklyn to stop in and grab a slice of pizza or a pastry.
In a statement shared with What Now NY from the owner, Rita’s Pizzeria is described as “a quintessential New York slice joint infused with European elegance and a touch of truffle magic.”
Rita’s Pizzeria is inspired by the summers Kunz spent visiting farmer’s markets and cooking meals with his grandmother in Switzerland. Her influence on Kunz’s creativity and love of fresh ingredients led him to name this new pizzeria after her.
Kunz launched his culinary career in 2013 with The Truffleist. He also hosts Cheesesteak’s By The Truffleist, an annual pop-up at the Bryant Park Holiday market.
What Now NY connected with Kunz over the phone.
“As a New Yorker, I know that pizza is a part of the DNA and blood of this city,” said Kunz. “I’ve had an idea for something like this for about five years, but the idea for Rita’s Pizzeria really came about when I noticed a need in Greenpoint for more lunch and late night options. We want Rita’s Pizzeria to be a good family joint where people can have fun and hang out all day.”
Rita’s Pizzeria will follow a farm-to-table philosophy that emphasizes using quality ingredients.
Rita’s Pizzeria will offer seasonal pies, calzones, garlic knots, soft serve, cannolis, and classic black and white cookies. There will also be a provisions section for guests to pick up ingredients like oils, butters, honeys and sauces to try their hand at recreating dishes at home. Beer and wine will complement the food offerings as well.
Kunz mentioned plans to create signature pies that honor Greenpoint’s cultural roots with Polish and Swiss-inspired creations. Rita’s Pizzeria will get creative with the kinds of pizzas and pastries it serves. Kunz expressed his enthusiasm for one of the methods by which Rita’s Pizza will deliver its pizzas: a custom Ape.
Commonly used as a utility vehicle in Europe, the Ape will be a practical and aesthetic addition to the Rita’s Pizzeria concept. It will help create opportunities for Rita’s Pizzeria to cater parties and weddings. Kunz hopes that the Ape can roll around Greenpoint, navigating the streets and dropping off pizzas at brownstones all around the neighborhood.
Kunz shared plans to install an antique French butcher counter to display pastries. Seating in Rita’s Pizzeria will include community tables, recycled booths from a 1950’s dinner, ledge seats and a few outdoor dining options. Kunz plans to fill the walls with pieces by local artists like Elana Gutmann.
“We want Rita’s Pizzeria to be a value-add to the community,” said Kunz. “Greenpoint has such a good energy, and we want to feed into that and have fun with this concept.”
Rita’s Pizzeria should open sometime between mid-July and early August. It plans to be open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.
