Otto pizza restaurant is now open for takeout at 404 Elm St. in Biddeford.

Otto started in 2009 with a slice shop on Congress Street in Portland. Today, there are more than 20 locations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

 Biddeford franchise owner Chris Weston opened the Elm Street restaurant on Monday to takeout only, and plans to start dine-in service next month, once he gets staffing secured.

Otto serves New Haven-style pizza and is known for its unique selections, like mashed potato, scallion, and bacon; or butternut squash, ricotta cheese and cranberries. The pizzeria also serves up the more traditional cheese pizza or pepperoni, as well as pies with gluten-free crusts or vegan cheese.

Weston has been in the pizza business for 30 years. He joked that he grew up behind the counter at Ricetta’s Brick Oven Ristorante, which was within walking distance from his home when he was a teen. He found that he enjoyed working in the industry, and he enjoyed the camaraderie of the restaurant staff.

At the time, he said, Ricetta’s was pretty much the only high-end pizza game around. He was later introduced to Otto’s at a culinary event.

“They brought the mashed potato pizza and I knew that Ricetta’s finally had competition,” said Weston.

Weston was impressed with Otto concept of creative and comforting combinations, and worked as the executive chef for Otto for ten years.

“I fell in love with their product. I was happy to bring my knowledge and help expand the brand,” he said.

 

Otto in Biddeford will soon be offering dine-in service. COURTESY PHOTO

When looking for a place to open a new Otto restaurant, the former automotive shop on Elm Street was a “Goldilocks location.” It’s situated on Route One – a well-traveled road which is easy to find, and Biddeford is becoming known as a food destination.

“The city made it easy. They were really interested in having us here,” he said. “The community checks all the boxes.”

The restaurant still has some of the garage vibe, with epoxy floors, the garage bays in the front of the dining room, and spark plugs painted on the walls.

Otto in Biddeford is currently open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, and may expand its hours in the future.

Restaurant Week

Biddeford Restaurant week, coordinated by Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry and local downtown group Heart of Biddeford runs from March 12 -19. The celebration of the local food industry includes specials at many area restaurants.

The Community Souper, with soup from local restaurants, pastries, and live music; will take place on March 13 at Grace Point Church. Tickets can be purchased online and proceeds will benefit Seeds of Hope and Bon Appetit Food Program.

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.