New owner plans to reopen Pop’s Pizza in October

September 26, 2008

Rodney Hart

Quincy businessman Scott Frese liked Pop’s Pizza so much that he bought the business.

The popular downtown restaurant is expected to reopen next month under Frese’s ownership.

Pop’s Pizza, 938 Maine, was bought Wednesday by Frese, who did not disclose the purchase price. It was opened in January 2007 by Mike Readdy and Corey Johnson, and Johnson became the sole owner in July when Readdy moved out of state. The restaurant was abruptly closed in early September.

“It was just a place that honestly, I had visited several times and loved the food,” Frese said. “I saw they were struggling to make ends meet and expressed to the owners that if they ever wanted to consider selling it to let me know.”

Frese said he is hiring the same Pop’s Pizza kitchen manager, Jake Long, who developed many of the pizza recipes and other offerings. Frese, who co-owns a fireworks stand in West Quincy, plans to do extensive remodeling inside the restaurant.

“Hopefully we’ll have it open by Oct. 15 or so,” he said.

Records show the building at 938 Maine is owned by Patrick Taylor and William Henehan. Frese said he renegotiated the lease to keep the pizza restaurant downtown.

“Pop’s Pizza has a tremendous following,” Frese said. “I’ve been down here the last few days, and people were calling and knocking on the door. There’s a lot of business down here, from Quincy Medical Group to the police station up the street, and I think people want something down there instead of having to battle their way down Broadway.”

Frese is a Quincy native and 1989 Quincy Notre Dame graduate who served seven years in the Air Force. He also worked as a manager at an Olive Garden restaurant in Indiana.

Pop’s Pizza will employ 10 to 12 people and offer a salad bar and delivery, Frese said.

“We want to have a nicer facility and improve on the service,” Frese said.