The owner of Greenpoint’s first wood-burning pizzeria, 62-year-old Paulie Gee knows a thing or two about the neighborhood. He opened his eponymous restaurant on Greenpoint Avenue in 2010 and has watched the area go from a Polish haven to a hot neighborhood for hipsters. He’s retired now but still spends most nights at his restaurant, meeting new neighbors and dreaming up delicious pizzas.
Why did you decide to open your business here?
I idolized Roberta’s and wanted to replicate what they did by opening a restaurant in a neighborhood like Bushwick. I wanted to find another neighborhood that Williamsburg was expanding into — and there were a number of bars in Greenpoint, but no restaurants, no wood-burning pizzerias. It was just begging for the place I wanted to open.
What makes this neighborhood unique?
There are people coming here from all over the country and world, and they’re creating this wonderful melting pot within the city. It’s also a little quieter, a little calmer than other areas.
What is one improvement the neighborhood needs?
We’re going to need more parking very soon, and better G-train service. Being in the restaurant business, I have employees who work into the wee hours and for them to get home to Bushwick and beyond, it’s difficult. The train service is just not that good.
What is your favorite memory in Greenpoint?
I think having the ability to serve the community after [Superstorm] Sandy. We were untouched, unlike so many less-fortunate businesses, and every night was like Saturday night. People were coming from lower Manhattan and all over Brooklyn, and we offered a place where they could get away from the madness.
What do you think the neighborhood will be like in 10 years?
It’s going to be extremely desirable to live in because of the variety of businesses that are opening here. Plus, we have the most wonderful views of Manhattan. It’s going to be difficult to find an affordable place to live though.
” data-id=”111068661″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/21134_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11068661″/> Photo Credit: Handout GEORGIA KRAL