Against some really long odds, Pizza Social opened June 17, just months into the global COVID-19 pandemic, and, surprise, has been thriving ever since. The pizzeria at 308 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, found a niche and business has been so good that the owners, Andrew and Ammanda Simonetti, are looking at adding a second wood-fired oven to keep up with the demand.

Yelp reviews have been very strong, with lovers of both Chicago-style and New York-style pizza claiming the place as their own. “We thought the pizza was delicious and will probably order it again throughout this trip.  We had a veggie, Margherita, and a few build-your-owns that we enjoyed. We loved that it was real pizza made in a real pizza oven.