One of Aberdeen’s most successful independent pizza brands has secured its third unit as it looks to expand further across the city.
Big Mannys’ Pizza has collaborated with Codona’s Amusement Park and will serve up their popular dishes in the 120-seater restaurant in the former Lucky’s Pizzeria.
Launching on Thursday June 23 at the venue down by Aberdeen beach, this is the business’ third location in less than two years.
It was launched in October 2020 by brothers Phil and Ashley Adams who own Holburn Street bar, The Adams Lounge, and local chef, Calum Wright.
Big Mannys’ Pizza at Codona’s
The venture will add around 12 jobs to the current kitchen team of 20 at Codona’s who will operate the restaurant as part of the collaboration.
The staff will be employed by the amusement park and will be trained by the Big Mannys’ team.
Visitors will be able to order pizzas at other points around the park including The Smugglers’ Cove Adventure Play and family area restaurant, and the Lucky Strike tenpin bowling and bar area.
Combined, Big Mannys’ pizzas will be available to 600 seated customers at any one time in the park.
For the first week, the restaurant area, which is situated on the mezzanine floor near Indoor Congo Adventure Golf, will initially only be taking bookings online.
The pizza brand is no stranger to collaborating with local businesses including various food producers for a range of their dishes.
The firm has already had huge success with its 18-inch New York style pizzas, and also offers 14 and nine inch versions, too. As well as The Adams Lounge, it boasts a takeaway and collection only premises near Pittodrie Stadium which opened in January.
And Phil, Ashley and Calum hope to launch a franchise model in the future following its exclusive agreements to deliver its pizzas to venues including The College Bar, The Blue Lamp, The Queen Vic, The Kings Bar, The Crown Bar and The Fountain Bar.
Phil Ashley said: “This tops off a hugely successful launch period for our business. Collaborations with other north-east businesses have already formed a huge part of the Big Mannys’ Pizza story.
“Teaming up with a big name such as Codona’s takes us to the next level. It’s been great to see local businesses support each other. The whole team are very excited.”
Special funfair pizza
Selling thousands of pizzas a week now, Big Mannys’ will serve up chicken wings, cookies, wedges and more on the Codona’s menu.
A special funfair-themed pizza will also be added to the menu, however it is currently being kept under wraps.
John Codona, director at the amusement park which has been running for 52 years, is excited about the partnership.
“It’s a great collaboration with a young, fresh brand and, as a family-run business, we share its core values,” he added.
“We believe this move will introduce Big Mannys’ Pizza to a wider family market, while the popularity of the pizzas in the young adult market sits nicely with our offering of golf, bowling and karting. It’s great to have them as part of Codona’s.”
A nine-inch margherita pizza will also be part of the Codona’s ‘fully loaded’ amusement park wristband pass (£26) which also includes unlimited rides, adventure golf, and one of the following: either a ride on go karts; entrance to Smugglers Cove or one game of laser tag.
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