Side Dishes: A townie favorite disappears
On February 8, longtime Essex resident Dave Gaworecki took to his Facebook page to write, “I’m going to miss the best pizza in the area. RIP Foodees... :(” That announcement and its accompanying sad emoticon set off a firestorm of online activity, with disbelieving posts from many Essex residents. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the Essex Way joint shuttered.
Though Foodees owner Jim Daudelin couldn’t be reached for comment, Gaworecki reports that, according to a source he prefers not to name, “The financial backer pulled the funding because profits weren’t where they needed to be.”
Huh? Turns out the “local” pimply-crusted pies were actually part of a small chain, with other locations in New Hampshire. Gaworecki says the corporate decision happened quickly — and without notice. He spoke with one employee who claimed to have shown up for work to find the place closed.