Key staff member returns to Wichita pizzeria, meaning hours can expand to 7 days a week
It’s been a while since Wichita has been able to get its Neapolitan pizza fix early in the week.
But that will change starting on Monday, when Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria owner Robert McMullin starts opening his restaurant at 1706 E. Douglas seven days a week. He’s adding hours on Monday, which he hasn’t had since opening six years ago, and is re-instituting the Tuesday hours he cut post-COVID.
Starting on Monday, Piatto will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Fridays and from noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays.
One of the reasons he’s able to make the change, McMullin said, is that he’s had more luck finding dedicated employees of late. In particular, he said, he was able to lure back former employee Julian Langston, who regulars will recognize as one of the main “pizzaiolos” — or pizza makers — on staff when Piatto first opened.
Langston, who worked at Piatto for two years, has had several jobs since he left, including helping to add food service at Wave and working at Celebrity Cruises. But he ultimately decided to return to his old job, which has made all the difference, McMullin said.
It’s a big change from the period following COVID, when for the most part, McMullin and partner Kylee Frazell were the only two people opening, closing and making pizza.
“We feel incredibly grateful for where we’re at now,” McMullin said.
Once the hours switch on Monday, McMullin will be instituting two new specials. Mondays will become “Margherita Mondays,” when people can get $10 margherita pizzas while supplies last. On Tuesdays, he’ll offer $5 draft beers and $5 house red or white wine.
This story was originally published November 11, 2022 at 11:36 AM.
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