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Pizza couple returns pizza focus to kitchen

Posted on November 7, 2020 by Web Manager Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team

Marc Frankel and wife Tracy couldn’t rest on their laurels after opening 12 Pizzicato locations across metropolitan Portland and Lovejoy Bakers in the Pearl. Now they welcome lovers of true Neapolitan pizza to Biga Pizza in Concordia. Photo by Marsha Sandman

You’d think after opening Pizzicato in 12 locations and Lovejoy Bakers in the Pearl District, these former New Yorkers would be ready to rest, retire and enjoy life.

Well, for Marc and Tracy Frankel, the idea of enjoying life is to open one more pizza restaurant.

Marc explained the motivation, “Although we never saw ourselves expanding, over the years, Pizzicato grew into a business of which we’re very proud.

“Running the company eventually took me away from the kitchen and the simple pleasures of chopping vegetables, making dough, baking a pie, serving our customers and working shoulder to shoulder with our staff.”

Marc and Tracy live in Concordia, and they wanted to open a casual, inviting space just a short walk from their home.

So they leased space one door north of the Killingsworth Street and 30th Avenue intersection. Hours are Wednesday-Friday 4-9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday noon-9 p.m. Orders are welcome via 503.297.7133, Hi@BigaPDX.com and BigaPDX.com.

After 30 years in the business, Marc explained his incentive now is the joy of getting to know his neighbors, sharing a cozy space where folks sit family style and get to know each other.

During the current need for social distancing, Biga offers takeout and home delivery. During the warmer months, outside seating was available in a cozy rear patio and in the plaza on 30th – which may continue this winter.

You can tell by the twinkle in his eyes when he explains the pizza method, Marc has a passionate and tactile relationship with the process of dough making.

The term “Biga” refers to Italian breadmaking starter dough. The three-day dough-making process results in buttery, light and crunchy crust, which makes a true Neapolitan pie.

The open kitchen has a Swedish electric oven, which heats up to 800 degrees. The highest quality ingredients are used and Biga’s menu reads like pizza poetry.

In addition to pizza, salads and desserts, Biga fresh-baked ciabatta bread and a wide variety of quality wines are available at market prices. They can be home delivered along with your pizza order.

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

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Concordia Neighborhood Association will abstain from publishing anything that could be construed as libel.

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