Pizza by Alex: Where Community and Craft Meet
CMM 110 Work Sample
Since its founding in 1960 by Alex Mantis, Pizza by Alex has become a beloved fixture on Alfred Road in Biddeford, Maine. Run by the Mantis family for over 60 years, this pizzeria is renowned for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere that attracts patrons of all ages. Manager Chris Rowe, who has been with the establishment for 32 years, shares his love for the camaraderie among employees and the welcoming environment. Their commitment to homemade ingredients—like fresh dough, rich sauce, and a unique blend of cheddar cheese—sets them apart from other pizzerias and keeps customers coming back year-round.
Chris Rowe, the current manager of Pizza by Alex, started working at the pizzeria in 1992, when he was a junior in high school. Previously employed at the Lobster Claw on Ocean Park Road in Saco, Rowe sought a job that operated year-round, which led him to Pizza by Alex. Over the years, he worked his way up the ladder, he is now responsible for overseeing the entire pizzeria. Rowe has dedicated himself to preserving the family-like atmosphere and quality service that make Pizza by Alex special.
Originally located in a series of storefronts further down Alfred Street, where a veterans memorial now stands, Pizza by Alex moved to its current location at 93 Alfred Street in 1967 to expand its dining room and accommodate more customers. This expansion allowed the restaurant to welcome more of its loyal patrons. By 1972, the pizzeria expanded once more, buying out a neighboring driving school to add a second dining room. The interior has remained largely untouched since, preserving a retro charm that’s beloved by the local community. Rowe notes that keeping the original decor helps long-time customers relive cherished memories, from first dates to family gatherings. In fact, Rowe met his wife here, making the place even more meaningful to him.
Customers are at the heart of Pizza by Alex, and many regulars have been coming in since the early days. One such patron, Rachel, has been enjoying meals here since she was 25. Now 77, she still visits frequently, drawn to the familiar faces and warm ambiance. To give back to this supportive community, Pizza by Alex holds fundraisers, like a recent event for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital that raised $2,200. The pizzeria also hires local kids, offering them jobs and a place to grow. Rowe proudly says, “The customers keep this place running,” recognizing the close-knit, community-oriented environment that loyal patrons and staff have built together.
When it comes to the pizza, everything is made with precision and care. Pizza by Alex is known for its unique cheddar cheese blend, a departure from the traditional mozzarella, and its house-made sauce, seasoned with a secret family spice blend. The dough is made with high-gluten flour, though the restaurant now offers a gluten-free option to accommodate all customers. Depending on the humidity, the dough proofs at room temperature and then put in the refrigerator to keep it just right. Each pizza is prepared in a 10-inch pan. Rowe explains that the dough is hand-flapped with a twist of the wrist to create the perfect base. It is then topped with sauce, hand-sprinkled cheese, and freshly cut toppings, including vegetables and hand-sliced pepperoni. They prepare about 144 pies each Monday morning, and continue this process throughout the week, as needed. As Rowe puts it, “It’s a lot of love, a little bit of labor, and, in the end, we get our pie” — a pie that continues to bring joy to generations of happy customers.
The feature story I wrote about Pizza by Alex in Biddeford, Maine, stands out as a significant example of my academic and personal growth. This project required me to step out of my comfort zone, connect with members of the Biddeford community, and engage in meaningful conversations with business owners like Chris Rowe, the manager of this beloved pizzeria. The process of gathering information and building rapport not only enhanced my storytelling but also deepened my appreciation for the role small businesses play in fostering a sense of community. I selected this work because it reflects a turning point in my development as both a student and an individual. Academically, it was a project where I truly excelled, producing a polished, compelling piece that captured the essence of Pizza by Alex and its unique place in the community. Personally, it challenged me to navigate real-world interactions, which ultimately allowed me to make lasting connections. Now, whenever I visit Pizza by Alex, the staff greets me warmly, asking how I’m doing. This genuine sense of belonging demonstrates the value of stepping into the world, building relationships, and telling stories that resonate.This project highlights my ability to combine research, interpersonal skills, and writing to create impactful work. It also marks a milestone in my learning journey, where I learned to embrace challenges and saw firsthand how stories can bridge gaps between individuals and the community. By connecting with others and sharing their narratives, I not only grew as a writer but also cultivated a greater understanding of how meaningful connections can be built through authenticity and care.
