At the heart of Extra Extra Pizza is people. During her 6MBS presentation, Bridget Murphy—a founding member of the worker-owned cooperative—shared the collective vision behind Buffalo’s newest pizza spot shaking up more than just dough.

Located in the Five Points neighborhood on Buffalo’s West Side, Extra Extra is a New York-style pizzeria and wine bar committed to radically reimagining the restaurant industry. Bridget, a Five Points resident, mother of two, certified sommelier, and UB Law School graduate, has seen firsthand the industry’s deep-rooted issues—substance abuse, burnout, wage theft, and pay inequity. With Extra Extra, she and her team are building something different: a cooperative model that values shared ownership, equity, and community care.

Bridget introduced the extended team behind the project, a passionate and talented group of 18+ contributors:

• Joey Pucciarelli, head pizzaiolo and fellow co-founder, brought his expertise from Jay’s Artisan Pizza and his iconic egg-on-a-roll recipe from Remedy House. A diehard New York sports fan, Joey’s true specialty is perfecting the New York-style slice. Soon Ho Sim, a Queens native and literature graduate from Buffalo State, serves as Extra Extra’s social media strategist. A grammar stickler, dog mom, and Riverside homeowner, she keeps their messaging as intentional as their menu.

• Gabriel Nieves, another worker-owner, adds to the cooperative’s strength and spirit of mutual investment in the restaurant’s mission. Through Cooperation Buffalo, Bridget and her team worked with Andrew DelMonte, Michael Heubusch, and Cecilia Johnson, attending the Co-op Academy, securing funding, and gaining the skills to run a democratic business from the inside out.

• The renovation of their space was championed by Frits Abell, a micro-developer and advocate for restoration over demolition in Five Points. His work supports intentional, art- and architecture-driven development that honors community character.

• Architect Seth Amman of Arch&Type helped shape the physical identity of Extra Extra by listening deeply to the story they wanted to tell. The design reflects their values, from the natural light that floods the kitchen to the now-signature dizzying shades of pink throughout the space.

• Council Member David Rivera, representing the Niagara District since 2007, played a vital advisory role—supporting sustainable, smart, small businesses that enrich rather than displace the West Side.

And of course, Nonna Giaconda Pucciarelli, Joey’s grandmother and longtime neighborhood matriarch, inspired the shop’s warmth. A 1958 Italian immigrant, she was known for opening her doors to feed anyone in need—no questions asked. Much of the shop’s secondhand furniture, light fixtures, and glassware were chosen to honor her spirit.

Extra Extra doesn’t just serve pizza—it serves a vision. The restaurant features thoughtfully sourced natural wines from Wild Arc Farm and Poderi Cellario, emphasizing sustainability and community even on the beverage list.

As Bridget reminded us, transformation starts small—sometimes with a slice. But with the right people, the right values, and the right neighborhood, it can be extra…extraordinary.