BIG Mannys’ Pizza has announced the location of its third unit – Codona’s Amusement Park.
The new base is another big step forward for Big Mannys’ Pizza, which was only launched in October 2020.
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The location is a 120-cover restaurant at the former Lucky’s Pizzeria at the park. The venture will add around 12 jobs to the current kitchen team of 20 at Codona’s, who will operate the restaurant as part of the collaboration.
The new Codona’s location opens on Thursday, June 23.
In addition, visitors will be able order pizzas at other points around the popular amusement park including The Smugglers’ Cove Adventure Play and Family Area Restaurant and the Lucky Strike tenpin bowling and bar area. Combined, Big Mannys’ pizzas will be available to 600 seated customers at Codona’s.
John Codona, director at Codona’s, said: “It’s a great collaboration with a young, fresh brand and, as a family-run business, we share its core values. We believe this move will introduce Big Mannys’ Pizza to a wider family market, while the popularity of the pizzas in the young adult market sits nicely with our offering of golf, bowling and karting. It’s great to have Big Mannys’ Pizza as part of Codona’s.”
Alfred Codona, director at Codona’s, said: “We’ve seen the response from the Aberdeen public to Big Mannys’ Pizza and thought it would great to work with them. We’re sure it’s going to be a huge success – the pizzas are fantastic!”
Phil Adams, co-founder of Big Mannys’ Pizza, said: “This tops off a hugely successful launch period for our business. Collaborations with other north-east businesses have already formed a huge part of the Big Mannys’ Pizza story. Teaming up with a big name such as Codona’s takes us to the next level. It’s been great to see local businesses support each other. The whole BMP team are very excited.”
For the first week, the restaurant area, which also has pool tables, will initially only be taking bookings online. Work is currently ongoing at the restaurant which is situated on a mezzanine floor near Indoor Congo Adventure Golf.
The Codona’s Amusement Park is a 52-year-old Aberdeen institution. Thousands of visitors descend on the promenade each year to enjoy everything from arcade games, tenpin bowling and karting to funfair rides – including its famous big wheel.
Big Mannys’ Pizzas will also be part of the Codona’s ‘fully loaded’ amusement park wristband pass, and part of the deal for corporate events and friends & family functions.
Big Mannys’ Pizza was launched by Phil, his brother Ashley and Calum Wright from The Adams Lounge on Holburn Street almost 20 months ago. Their NYC-style Pizzas have built up a huge following through local collaborations with fellow operators – a model now embraced within the local food scene.
A takeaway-only unit opened near Pittodrie in January this year and Big Mannys’ Pizza have plenty planned for the future, including the launch of a franchise model. It also has exclusive agreements to deliver its pizzas to Aberdeen punters at The College Bar, The Blue Lamp, The Queen Vic, The Kings Bar, The Crown Bar and The Fountain Bar.
Collaboration with other north-east firms has been central to its success. Big Mannys’ Pizza special-recipe dough – created by Calum – is now made daily in its in-house preparation area.
The partnership with the Codona’s will see Big Mannys’ Pizza using over two tonnes of flour each week to create their signature dough balls. Seasoning for its pizzas and chicken wings is provided by Angus & Oink, based at Dess, near Aboyne. The Tilly Butcher supplies the steak for one of its most popular pizzas – ‘The Tilly Cheesesteak’ and the team at Aberdeen’s Smoke & Soul supply smoked pulled pork for its ‘Gettin’ Piggy With It’ pizza.
Big Mannys’ Pizza’s cookies are made by Aberdeen’s Cookie Cult. The founders have also developed a beer called Smashable in partnership with Aberdeen’s Fierce Beer, with a colour, texture and flavour to partner their pizzas.
Big Mannys’ Pizza prepared for 150 orders to be sold over the first weekend when it launched in October 2020. They all sold out in just four minutes. They now sell thousands weekly.
The Codona’s menu will include its own special funfair-themed pizza, which is currently being kept under wraps.
Big Mannys’ Pizza’s whopping 18-inch pie is a hugely popular offering on the menu, with 14inch and 9inch sizes also available. Traditional pepperoni and Margherita options are available as well as the independent firm’s special creations such as its Wacky Maccy which is topped with cheesy macaroni and shredded Denver steak.
Pizzas are available – sit-in, collection and delivery – from The Adams Lounge seven days a week. In October last year, Big Mannys’ Pizza also received six-figure investment from Aberdeen businessman Simon Cowie, managing partner at Infinity Partnership – a five-time winner at the British Accountancy Awards.
