The pizza news from my ever-changing hometown seems to be never-ending. Following the recent closing doors of Venice and Chris’ Corner came talk that the Big Apple was next. This news was confirmed yesterday by its owners.
Bayonne’s surprisingly amazing Mexican Restaurant, El Aquila Dorada, will be moving down Broadway from the corner of 38th Street to the much bigger Big Apple spot between 18th and 19th Streets.
Now they strange part—they will be adding a thin-crust pizza to the menu! The Snob looks forward to giving them a try. If they can make pizza like they make Mexican food, we are all in for a treat. No word though on whether this will still be a place to watch the game!
PS – Had lunch today at El Aquila Dorada and learned that they will be making renovations to the Big Apple space with plans of moving in March 2017. The big news however is that some of the Big Apple staff will be retained to make the pizzas!
Here is the message posted by the departing owners yesterday (12/09/16) on the Big Apple Facebook page.
Letter of Thanks
After over 40 years in business, The Big Apple Sports Palace and Restaurant has decided to change hands and let the family of El Aguila Dorada take over. We can’t put into words the gratitude we have for each and every one for your business and support for so many years. Working with the citizens of Bayonne has been nothing but an absolute pleasure. It was a hard decision but our family felt it was time.
On behalf of the entire Bottino Family and extended family, we would like to say with the upmost sincerity, THANK YOU!! for all you have done for helping us build The Big Apple into what it is today. We would not have been able to do it without you. Thank you to all the local sports organizations including the PAL, Bayonne High School, Bayonne Youth Soccer Association(BYSA), Bayonne Little League, and Bayonne Cal Ripken (to name a few) for allowing us to sponsor you and the children of this community for so many years. One thing we always prided ourselves in was to give back to the community and especially the children of Bayonne. They are our future.
Thank you to all the professional sports players who have come to support The Big Apple and allowed our community to meet you and have a few laughs. Thank you to the Police Department, Fire Department, and all the public service people of city hall for keeping us safe over the years and for your love and support.
Thank you to every single person who walked through our doors and patronized our establishment. Thank you to each and every employee who has worked for our family through so many years. Countless of you have become like family to us and that is one thing we will truly miss. We have had so many great times with so many of you and those are memories we will truly always remember.
We have been assured by the family of El Aguila Dorado that they will be adding the famous “thin” pizza and Buffalo wings the Big Apple has been known for to their menu. We wish them all the luck and continued success in their new endeavor and hope you give them the same respect and support you have given the Bottino Family for over 40 years.
Thank you!
The Bottino Family
Original Review: 1/22/14
PIZZA SNOB RATING **** Near Perfection
NEW PIZZA SNOB RATING R.I.P
Big Apple Sports Palace & Restaurant
414 Broadway (between 18th and 19th Streets)
Bayonne, NJ 07002
201-858-1075
www.bigapplesportspalace.net
