Popular pizza maker Adriano Stolay thanks the community for their support and wants residents to know that he is back in business.

Adriano’s Pizza and Pasta, at 3329 Lake Shore Blvd. W., is being reopened on December 7 after five days of round-the-clock construction to repair the severe damage of a smoky roof fire.

“We are very touched and happy to be back,” Stolay said. “I want to thank everyone who called, left money or stopped by to say hello.”

Almost $9,000 has been raised on a Go Fund Me page that was created by residents Jackie Goodman and Lisa Davis. Dozens of people donated from the community.  The goal was $7,500.

The family-owned and operated pizza parlour suffered major damage in what seems to have been a roof fire about 2 a.m. on December 2.

The business was closed and no one was there at that time. There were no reported injuries.

Toronto Fire arrived at the scene at 2:21 a.m. to put out the fire, which was upgraded to a two-alarmer after firefighters arrived.

There was an outpouring of love and support from the community to help Adriano return to business.

He said the news left school children crying, people were slipping money under his door and a local and rival Long Branch pizzeria made a substantial donation to help his business.
“I am so touch by all the support,” he said. “I will be thanking everyone who supported and stood by me when times were tough.”

The beloved pizza maker is known to give away free slices to the poor, homeless and supports countless charities with his pies.