From the outside, Adams Pizza does not look like a takeaway restaurant. Without knowing that it is a pizzeria, one could easily pass it by. But regular people know it, students and IT professionals also know about it.
Adam’s Pizza is a piece of passion and love for Sanoop AK and Jeetu George. Opened on March 16, 2019, this unique pizzeria is more than just a place to grab a quick snack – it’s a testament to the power of reinvention, hard work, and the meaning of family. As a new business during COVID-19, they kept getting orders but the second wave hit them hard, but now they are doing well.
Sanup was chef de partie in Saudi Arabia, working at the Ibis in Riyadh, an Accor Group property, when the desire to do something else took over. He realized that his true calling was always to experiment with taste in the kitchen and create new dishes. Her love for baking and the desire to create something of her own inspired her to take the bold decision of leaving her secure job abroad and returning to Kochi.
dream come true
Along with his wife, Jeetu, a nurse, Sanoop planned to open a pizzeria that would reflect their shared dream. He named it Adam’s Pizza after his six-year-old son. The restaurant is small, but its impact is nothing. The couple’s dedication is evident in every corner, the dishes and the way they interact with customers.
Sanoop’s innovative pizza making approach involves fresh pizza dough made from wheat and barley. Toppings range from lamb pepperoni to cheese, mushrooms and corn.
When you walk in, you’re greeted by the aroma of freshly baked pizza dough and fresh oregano. The lone oven occupies pride of place in the 220-square-foot kitchen. Empty pizza boxes are kept on top of it.
The first slice of pizza I try is the BBQ Chicken Pizza, a crowd favorite. I also pick up a slice of warm, fresh-from-the-oven garlic bread. While the hot pizza was delicious, the garlic bread could have had a little more garlic.
After all, there’s no such thing as too much garlic. It had a layer of melted cheese on top, making it crispy. Since they don’t serve any other drinks except Coca-Cola, I happily opted for cold water. The small workplace is filled with the excitement and passion of both the couple, and sometimes Adam too, when he comes to ‘help’ his parents.
BBQ Pizza at Adam’s Pizza | Photo courtesy: RK Nitin
While eating a slice of pizza, I asked Sanoop, “Why pizza?” He replies with a half smile, “Because it’s fresh to make and safe to deliver to the customer. Of course, the work is hard and time-consuming, but as fast food, it’s more satisfying. And my son loves pizza too.” He believes that Kakkanad’s proximity to infoparks and tech hubs attracts a lot of hungry customers, especially during post-office hours.
Jitu, too, plays an integral role in the pizzeria’s success, working the front of the house with warmth and efficiency. When asked what made her start the restaurant, she says, “It was always Sanup’s dream. And he always loved experimenting in the kitchen. He learned most of the recipes himself and perfected them over the years in the kitchens he worked in while living in Saudi Arabia. It’s a family business. We prioritize quality over quantity. I come here only on weekends. He comes here every day,” says Jeetu. Ingredients are locally sourced and prepared in house. They do everything themselves, the equipment is also bought locally, “It is safer to buy equipment locally because if there is any damage it is easier to repair,” says Sanup as he places the toppings on the pizza.
As I was finishing my BBQ pizza, Sanup was already taking out the cheese burst pizza from the hot oven.
cheese lover’s dream
It’s a cheese lover’s dream come true with its cream cheese crust. A sturdy base filled with chicken, chopped black olives, jalapenos, tomatoes and capsicum – a cheese coma assured. This may not be everyone’s slice of pizza but cheese lovers will love it. Another interesting item on the menu is the Folded Pizza (₹140) – another invention from Sanoop.
There is a lot here for vegetarians too. Price depends on size and toppings. A small pizza costs ₹200, medium and large ₹320 and ₹400 respectively. The price of two ranges between ₹400 to ₹600. The portion size is filling for an average eater. Price depends on size and toppings. Packages and deliveries are always on and evening hours are usually their busiest time.
“Delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato have been game changers for us,” says Sanup, as he carefully puts the pizza in the oven. “Although we have customers coming in, it is the food delivery culture that really powers our small-scale business.” It is also open for pick up.
They are closed on Mondays. His dream of expansion is about to be fulfilled. He will be moving from the place where it all started, to a new restaurant where Sanup plans to expand his space for a better experience for his customers, which will also have ample parking space.
Since it’s a two-person show, does he plan to hire staff? “Hiring and training staff is always exciting, but I love being in the kitchen. So no matter how big we get, I’ll always be in my kitchen,” says Sanoop.
The couple’s rapport is evident as they juggle the demands of running a small business with the joys and challenges of raising a family. In a world dominated by big chains and cookie-cutter franchises, Adam’s Pizza is a refreshing reminder that good things can come in small packages.
Adam’s Pizza is in Khadija Tower on Civil Line Road, Thrikkakara. Call 9383413784
