The latest on Phat Pug, part deux
I found the following e-mail in my inbox when I got to work this morning. Hope springs eternal in the breast of those who love pizza, and when Phat Pug pizzeria in Perry Hall first opened people seemed to really like the coal-fired version. Then things started to go awry: ...
...Hello elizabeth this is mike depasquale owner of the phat pug i recently did a licensing agreement with someone for my perry hall location.We are in transition right now.I understand there have been lots of complaints about my restaurant and how it has beeen being run.I'am very sorry to you and the public about these problems but they will be straightened out asap.There is some new remodeling taking place,New equipment being instsalled,and some rearranging going on.So the place can be run more effeciently.I know when I'am there things are run accordingly.I am opening new locations after the first of the year.After everything has been completed I would love everyone to come to the phat pug to enjoy some great pizza.I appreciate the great article you wrote when I first opened up.So just give me and the new people a chance things will be back to great again.Also we will have a new menu.I still will be there for a while starting january15,2008 through the whole transition to help them.That is part of the deal.Ipromise the coal fired pizza will be back to the way you remember it. Sincerely, Michael DePasquale - Phat Pug....And the new phone number at the Phat Pug will be on this week.
(Kenneth K. Lam/Sun photographer)
Comments
Just an update... I drove by a few days ago and it looked like the place was boarded up. I stopped by and peaked in the window on 01/04/08 and the windows were covered in newspaper, the inside was pretty much gutted, the place was empty and one window was broken. It didn't look like it was coming back.
Thanks. I'm not surprised.
Posted by: C Double | January 14, 2008 5:21 PM
The owner's letter in late December promised extensive remodelling, new equipment, and a scheduled opening under the new licensed operators on or about 15 January. The comment says that the place looked gutted on 4 January. So has anybody checked if the place is really closed, or if the scene on 4 January was in the middle of the promised remodelling, rather than indicative of the place being gone, as the comment presumed?
The food business is tough enough without a major source of restaurant reviews telling customers a place doesn't exist (if in fact they still do).
Granted, given the story so far, I wouldn't be surprised at either outcome, but if they are still in business, I think we owe it to them to not leave the story at "presumed closed for good" without verifying that for certain, one way or the other.
Fair enough. I gave the place a call again just now, and the number is busy as always. If anyone has any more info to share, please post below.
Posted by: Warthog | January 24, 2008 10:16 AM
I drove by about a week ago and it was all boarded up. I live close, so I'll check again and report back.
thanks!
Posted by: CH | January 28, 2008 7:02 AM
Paper still on the windows, but lights on inside...
Thanks!
Posted by: CH | February 5, 2008 6:47 AM
So any word on this place, its April are they back up and running?
Posted by: Lindsay | April 3, 2008 2:03 PM
A few days ago it still all boarded up and paper on the windows.
Posted by: C Hughes | May 4, 2008 7:11 PM
did the restaurant ever reopen? i have had an offer from mike re my cafe and am searching for info about him: successes and failures. thanks in advance.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 23, 2010 2:48 PM