Why Rockaway Pizzeria is Taking a Temporary Break
Owner Josh Sickels is dealing with a health issue that forced the closure. Plus, a Monday boost and a gridiron whiskey.
One of the hardest-working guys in the pizza business is taking a breather.
Josh Sickels, owner of Rockaway Pizzeria in Regent Square, one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Restaurants, is temporarily closing the shop per his doctor’s advice.
“I have herniated discs in my spine at multiple levels, and if I want to have a chance to stay out of surgery, I have to cease all work immediately and do aggressive physical therapy,” Sickels said in a social media post on Tuesday. “I’ve been working through an intense amount of pain, arm weakness and numbness the last six weeks, but cannot any longer. I will update as soon as I know when we are ready to open things back up. In the meantime, we have several great pizzerias in this city — go check ‘em out!”
Recent openings include Muns Pizza, A Slice of New York Squared, Spirit Pizzeria and Cork & Crust.
“F Monday!!!” at The Common Good
The Common Good is embracing a bad word.
At 11 a.m. on June 29, the Downtown eatery is saying “F Monday!!!” by giving away 50 flatbreads to the first 50 guests. Additionally, every Monday will have 20 percent off flatbreads for lunchtime crowds. The menu includes offerings such as the Big O with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and pizza sauce and the Dirty Bird with buffalo sauce, chicken, pickled jalapenos, ranch, blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella and minced celery.
Located in the Union Trust Building, the healthy, fast-casual concept is rolling out a new summer menu with a variety of breakfast options, salads, sandwiches, grain and smoothie bowls and housemade desserts.
Raise a rocks glass to Steeler Nation
Do you like your whiskey on the rocks? How about the Rocky?
Rocky Bleier, the iconic Steelers running back, worked with Iron City Distilling to create Bleier Family Whiskey.
The inaugural release of the rye is set for July 1, with bourbon and bourye releases to follow when they’re ready for consumption. Pick up a bottle — priced at $75 — and meet the Bleiers on from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 1 and from 10 a.m. to noon on July 2at the Iron City Gift Shop at 150 Ferry St. in Creighton.
