Transformation Of Longtime Enfield Pizzeria/Bar A True Family Endeavor

ENFIELD, CT ? Since its founding by Jimmy and Anastasia Balis in 1964, Pizza Palace has provided outstanding Greek-style pizza and other savory entrees to hungry diners from its location at 524 Enfield Street. Very little has been done to the 4,300 square-foot building over the years, with the exception of the addition of Jimmy's Pub into a small space formerly occupied by a Video Galaxy store in the 1980s.

The changing times, particularly the dining habits of customers since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic more than two years ago, have led current owners Ken and Laurie Bedard into making an overhaul of the facility's interior, transforming it into an entertainment showplace while still maintaining its hometown feel.

In 2016, the Bedards, both longtime residents of Enfield, bought the business from Nick Perikos, who had acquired it from Balis 13 years earlier. They immediately began thinking of updating the interior to better utilize the space, but were not able to set their plans in motion until early this spring.

"We dreamed about opening it up, taking the wall down ever since we bought it," Ken said in a recent interview.

Since the start of the pandemic, fewer people had been eating in the restaurant section; meanwhile, business in the much smaller bar area was doing well. Hence, phase one of the renovation plan involved finally taking down the wall between the two sections, doubling the size of the pub area, and changing the restaurant side to take-out and delivery only.

Contractor Mike DelConte of L&S Builders began working in late March. In addition to expanding the pub side, he built a stage and DJ booth to accommodate entertainment seven days a week.

The new stage is named for iHeartRadio award-winning artist Sage King, who is slated to play there with his band on July 30.

"He was the last to play at the old pub, and will be the first to play at our official grand re-opening celebration," Laurie said, adding the redesigned site has been open for a number of weeks. "We are already seeing a lot of new, unfamiliar faces."

A plaque adjacent to the new stage thanks the late Bobby Burke, son of former mayor Roxy Burke.

"Bobby Burke pushed Jimmy to open up the bar area, and now it's finally happened," Ken said. "Bobby Burke is the reason we are here today."

The daily entertainment schedule features live music on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons; open mike on Mondays; trivia on Tuesdays; video bingo on Wednesdays; karaoke on Thursdays and a DJ on Fridays.

A special Country Night is slated for July 23. Patrons are encouraged to wear country attire, and a mechanical bull is being brought in to challenge those who dare.

"Our kids did it for our daughter's birthday, and they loved it," Laurie said.

All three Bedard children are involved in the family business. Oldest daughters Marissa and Sydnie currently work there, and youngest daughter Shelby is being trained and will be on board shortly.

Not all is new, however. In keeping with the hometown connection, bartender Deanna Ledwith, who started working for Balis more than 30 years ago, still serves up drinks with the best of them.

Laurie said of Ledwith, "She's been a fixture in this building since she was 18, and she's still here!"

A recent addition to the menu are Hot Dog Flights, in which diners choose three selections from nine specialty hot dogs. A new menu exclusively for the pub is also forthcoming.