The lineup was longer than usual at Enrico’s Pizza today as the popular Birch Cliff business celebrated its 42nd anniversary by handing out free slices of pizza, poutine, pasta and T-shirts.
Owner Arun Sakar, who bought Enrico’s in January 2010, says the birthday celebration is his way of giving back to the neighbourhood for supporting his business.
“Many, many thanks to everybody,” said Sakar. “We are happy. We have good customers and neighbours.”
The pizzeria on the northwest corner of Birchmount and Kingston Rd. was jammed with the usual crowd of teenagers from Birchmount Collegiate, including Sam Breen, who’s been having Enrico’s for lunch every Friday since he was a student at Birch Cliff P.S.
“Best around! Biggest slice for your money and I never go anywhere else,” said Breen.
Enrico's owner Arun Sakar (left) with Scarborough Southwest MP Dan Harris (middle)
MP Dan Harris on hand
Also on hand to celebrate the milestone was Scarborough Southwest MP Dan Harris, who’s constituency office is just a block away on Kingston Road.
Harris says he and his staff, regularly stop by Enrico’s because its important to support local business.
“We need to be more sustainable down the road and shopping locally is one of the things that will help our communities to grow and build,” said Harris.
Another customer, Cliffside’s Robbin Penney was returning to Enrico’s for the first time since 1971.
Penney says he saw the birthday celebration advertised in the newspaper and thought he’d pop in to see how the establishment looked and see if the pizza tasted the same as it did 42 years ago.
The verdict?
“Awesome”.
Enrico’s is promising free food until 5pm, or until supplies run out.
