Popular Pizza Place Celebrates Birthday

celebrates its one-year anniversary tonight with drinks, food and entertainment.

The party features live music from local acoustic artist Michael Nichols, a selection of beer and wine, and samples of its specialty Wise Guy pizza.

The pie -- topped with Mozzarella and parmesan cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic -- took top honors at Dunedin House of Beers’ pizza contest last May.

The flourishing business year couldn’t be sweeter for part-owner Erik Johanson, who’s planned for years to open a pizza place.

“It’s been my dream since 18,” said Johanson.

Johanson, originally from Connecticut, said when he and his family conceptualized the mafia-themed restaurant, they hoped to make an impact on the Dunedin restaurant scene.

With a combination of exposure from the Dunedin HOB pizza contest, and subsequent reviews in the St. Petersburg Times, they gained the attention needed to make that splash.

“I was only open for four months when that happened,” said Johanson

His mother, step-father and wife are also part owners in the venture.

The family-owned pizza parlor offers something for everyone, including Dunedin’s Best, which incorporates elements of the classic Hawaiian pie, and Veggie Delight for non-meat eaters. Classics like cheese, pepperoni and meatball round out the menu.

Bayshore Pizza combines its pizza-making abilities with protecting coastal areas around the state. Each time its Clams Casino pie is purchased, the restaurant donates to Save Our Shores! Florida.

If you want to check out the party, Johanson suggests beating the crowd and arriving early Wednesday. The event  runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m.