New chapter as Mayo family business expands into authentic Italian bakery

JUST over a year after opening its doors on Tone Street, Ballina, Pizza Pod is entering an exciting new chapter.

Known for its authentic Roman-style pizza slices, Neapolitan pizzas and freshly made lunchtime sandwiches, the family-run business is expanding beyond pizza to become The Pod: An authentic Italian bakery, pizzeria and café inspired by the food culture found throughout Italy.

The new direction will see customers enjoy speciality Italian coffee, freshly baked focaccia, handmade cannoli and an expanding range of authentic Italian bakery products, alongside the pizzas and sandwiches that have made The Pizza Pod a favourite with customers across north Mayo.

Owners Tony and Susan McCready first built a loyal following from their travelling pizza trailer, serving customers in Foxford and along Ballina Quay before opening their permanent premises on Tone Street just over a year ago.

Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength.

Over the past year, The Pizza Pod has catered for local businesses including the Credit Union and Telus International, launched popular pub delivery partnerships with An Bolg Buí, Harrison's Bar and Rouse's Bar, introduced new Italian dishes to the menu and celebrated its first anniversary with the local community.

Now, the couple believe the time is right to take the next step.

"Pizza has always been at the heart of what we do, but Italy is about so much more than pizza," said Tony McCready.

"It's about walking into a bakery and smelling fresh bread coming out of the oven, sitting down with a proper Italian coffee, enjoying a handmade cannoli or picking up fresh focaccia for lunch. That's the experience we're creating here in Ballina."

Tony, who still prepares every pizza by hand each day, says authenticity has always been the driving force behind the business.

"We're passionate about doing things well: Every pizza, every sandwich and every new product we introduce has to be something we're proud to serve. We're constantly learning, improving and bringing new ideas home from Italy so customers can enjoy authentic Italian food without leaving Ballina."

Behind the scenes, The Pod remains very much a family business.

While Tony can usually be found making pizzas and serving customers, Susan manages the day-to-day operations alongside her full-time role with the HSE. Together with their family and close-knit team, they've built the business one customer at a time.

Susan says the support they've received over the past year has given them the confidence to keep growing.

"Opening the shop was a huge step for us and, like any small business, there have been challenges along the way. But the support from our customers has been incredible from day one. People have backed us from the trailer right through to the shop, and we're so grateful.

“This next chapter is about giving people even more reasons to call in, whether it's for breakfast, lunch, coffee or dinner."

The move to The Pod reflects how the business has evolved over the past year while staying true to the values it was built on.

"The name is changing because we've grown," Tony added. "We're creating a place where people can call in from 10 a.m. in the morning through to evening for authentic Italian food and coffee."

The Pod will continue to operate from its home on Tone Street, serving authentic Roman pizza slices, Neapolitan pizzas, freshly made sandwiches, artisan focaccia, speciality Italian coffee, handmade cannoli and an expanding range of Italian bakery favourites.