New York Pizza Delivery (NYPD), 231 E. North Ave., is the brainchild of Abel Hamdan, a life-long East Side resident, who is not only seeking to transform this part of the city but also provide jobs and entice additional investment in the area.
For the past several months, the restaurant's new building has been rising on North Avenue near the corner of Hubbard Street. Standing out on a block that's somewhat neglected, the pristine development will add a new food option to the neighborhood, not to mention jobs and opportunity.
We caught up with Hamdan and asked several questions about this new restaurant that is coming soon.
OMC: What is your restaurant background? Do you own other locations?
Abel Hamdan: I have worked in the restaurant business for the last 18 years. My experience ranges from fast food all the way up to fine dining. I've mainly worked in the kitchen, but gained valuable people skills owning my own business for a number of years.
At this time, the North Avenue restaurant is our only location.
OMC: When do you plan to open?
AH: I plan to have the restaurant open and functioning to its full capacity by mid-January.
OMC: Tell us about NYPD? Is it a franchise?
AH: NYPD has been a project I have been working on for many years. A lot of thought and care has gone into every detail, from the name to the location and menu.
New York Pizza Delivery is not a franchise, but I do hope to open more than one location in the future.
OMC: What's the food like?
AH: The menu has something for everyone. We start with a variety of pizzas, of course. But don't be fooled by the name, there are many other options such as chicken, fish, ribs, subs, phillies, gyros and some pasta options. We offer some lighter fare like salads and appetizers, as well as some ice cream treats and desserts. The idea is to satisfy any craving.
The hours will be 11 a.m. to midnight.
OMC: What are your expectations and goals?
AH: My expectations are to provide a comfortable, convenient, clean environment where my customers can enjoy a good meal. My number one goal is to make NYPD people's first choice when they're looking for quality food.
OMC: Why did you pick the location?
AH: I grew up on Brady Street and will be an East Sider forever. I have witnessed first-hand the transformation that a neighborhood can make when people are willing to invest in it. I think that my location on North Avenue is a prime location for development and I hope that once my building is complete, it will convince other investors to check out the area.
OMC: Anything else you'd like our readers to know about NYPD?
AH: I would like the readers to know that I am a committed, hands-on business owner who takes great pride in this project. I am very excited about this venture and look forward to getting started and getting the word out. NYPD has a large delivery area and will have late-night hours in the future.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
