A New York City chef is turning heads after he turned his tiny two-seater Smart Car’s trunk into a curbside pizzeria, and serving customers on the go. CNN’s Jeremy Roth reported that Bradley Avelo makes pizzas in the trunk and uses portable generators for power, which draws attention to his unusual setup.
“I just happened to have this smart car so I just kind of hooked it up so it worked. And here we are.” Alveo said.
The Pizza Pod, the innovative chef’s portable approach to the business, has helped him build a name in the city and on social media, which has translated to attracting business. On the Pizza Pod’s instagram page, it refers itself as NYC’s Smallest Pizzeria and says it provides a “mobile stone-fired pizza experience”
The Pizza Pod’s website states that the idea for the tiny, mobile pizza shop “started with a simple idea,” which is to “bring real New York pizza anywhere.”
Inside the trunk, Alvelo stores olive oil, sauce and cheese instead of the usual roadside essentials. A portable generator powers the mini ovens that allows him to bring his pizza to any street corner he chooses.
“This is New York City so people have seen it all but I’ve noticed everyone has to stop. From food truck drivers to kids coming out of school doesn’t matter, they’re like hold on let me take a second and see what’s happening over here,’ he said.
Customers often stop midstride, surprised to find fresh, hot pizza made from the back of a tiny car. One patron, still chewing, shook his head when asked whether he expected such a setup.
“Beyond street corners, the compact setup has made him a popular choice for events “From Broadway theaters, rooftops, and kids birthday parties. I grew up eating pizza. Pizza is number one comfort food. And when you’re a broke kid pizza will save your life,” Avelo said.
The Pizza Pod can be found parked at 54th Street and 10th Avenue.
