A Slice of Life
Posted on November 29, 2014 under Storytelling with no comments yet
Boston Marathon. Fuelled by Wheel pizza
The gateway to downtown Antigonish runs down West Street, onto St. Ninian’s, and takes a 90 degree turn to the left onto Main. Just after crossing the bridge over Brierly Brook, an unassuming building hangs very near the river’s edge. If Times Square is the “crossroads of the world”, then The Wheel Pizza and Sub Shop is virtually the center of this town’s universe.
At least, that’s what it feels like.
I was standing at the finish line at the Boston Marathon the day before the race in 2012. I was there to soak up the vibe and to pray like hell that that I would cross that line the following day. I was decked out in all of my Boston Marathon swag for some photos. And, much to the bewilderment of many other participants, I was holding an empty pizza box. I expected a security officer or a psychiatrist to whisk me away at any moment.
Buddy Sweet owned and operated The Wagon Wheel back in the 50’s and 60’s. This was long before the advent of fast food restaurants. Initially the proximity to the campus of St. F. X. University was its main drawing card, but over the years it became famous for its exceptional pizza. Many a relationship blossomed over a late night nosh at The Wheel.
The Lerikos boys were passed the baton and they continued the tradition of excellent food and friendly service. I worked there for a spell during my university days. I remember vividly making dough down in the basement … and the extra dough that it put in my pocket.
The current owners, Mike and Trish Hassin, have been running the restaurant for decades in the same fine fashion. Many of their employees have made careers there; with Mike and Trish, their sleeves rolled up, right alongside them.
In a time of rapid progress, one thing has remained constant. The pizza recipe is virtually unchanged, so if you are ordering a large with the works delivered to Bora Bora on your Tahitian honeymoon, you can expect the same pizza your grandparents munched on 50 years or more ago.
And if you don’t believe that they will send that pizza to Bora Bora, I invite you to step inside the restaurant and check out the pictures on the wall. I daresay that Wheel pizza has been consumed in every country and continent on the planet. I would not have been surprised to see Chris Hadfield munching on a slice during his time in space.
Regardless of the weather, The Wheel delivers, literally and figuratively. During the very worst winter storms you can be assured that this iconic establishment will be open for business and that they will somehow get you your pizza fix.
These days I rarely buy a whole pizza. The kids are gone and I’m the only one home who can eat it. When I get the hankering, I just drop by and grab a slice on my way home from work. The staff know me by name and they wrap up a slice with the works the moment I step in the door.
And Mike is in the back. Mike is always in the back. He greets his customers like family because, well, they are.
It’s definitely the” Wheel” deal.
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