By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jan 29, 2010 at 7:25 PM

Mike Amidzich opened Pizza Man on Nov. 15, 1969. Ten days ago, he lost his business in a six-alarm fire. His wife, Deanna, says that although she and her husband are devastated by the fire, they plan to reopen soon.

"The new business will absolutely be on the East Side," says Amidzich. "We have no idea where. We have had no time to explore our options, but we know it will be somewhere on the East Side."

Amidzich says workers were able to salvage a portion of Pizza Man’s bar, a few booths, a decorative archway and a lot of bricks.

"We’re going to incorporate these items in the new locale," she says.

Amidzich says she was disgusted and saddened by today’s confirmation that the fire was caused by arson.

"The fact that somebody could think about it, and then actually do it, is saddening," she says.

Pizza Man employed 40 people and approximately another 12 people lived in the 10 units above the restaurant that were consumed in the fire.

"It has been unbelievable, but the help and support we’re receiving is incredible," says Amidzich.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.