Roman Candle Pizza Coming to North Shore

After seven years of building The Roman Candle Pizzeria in Madison, Brewer Stouffer chose to make his foray into the Milwaukee pizza market via Whitefish Bay.

First launched in Madison in 2005, The Roman Candle expanded to Middleton in 2007 and Fitchburg in 2010. By September, the company hopes to be serving East-Coast style pizza in a 3,000-square-foot vacancy in the east end of the former Honquest Furniture building at 133 E. Silver Spring Drive.

Of all the neighborhoods in and around Milwaukee, Stouffer said he was attracted to Whitefish Bay because he saw a need for a neighborhood pizza place.

"Whitefish Bay is a nice demographic mix, because it is family-oriented and there is an emphasis on neighborhoods, an emphasis on walking and biking places and the fact that there isn't a neighborhood pizzeria on Silver Spring Drive," he said. "We really want to be the neighborhood pizzeria that's a fun place to celebrate life's accomplishments; to be a place where people can grab a beer, socialize and see their neighbors."

Pending village approval, Stouffer is planning to offer 25 to 30 patio seats around the side of the building on the Kent Avenue corner. On the inside, Stouffers has planned an open concept interior with table seating, bar seating and a dedicated children's play area featuring a rocket ship.

"We have play areas in two of our locations, and we're really going to take this to the next level," he said.

The pizza is made from scratch using 50 local ingredients, including grass-fed beef, multiple types of pepperoni and some unique offerings like beets and candied walnuts. Each pizza begins as a ball of dough, and usually takes 20 minutes to prepare, Stouffer said. 

"We have a real emphasis on balance," he said. "We have thinner crust, premium toppings, the right amount of cheese, and delicious handcut toppings."

The Roman Candle will also offer salads, appetizers and desserts. Gluten-free pizza options are also going to be on the menu. 

The restaurant will also offer craft beer, wine and a limited cocktail menu. It will have hand-dipped ice cream from the Chocolate Shoppe in Madison.

Take-out and delivery are available for those on the go, and quick pizza slices are sold during lunchtime.

For Stouffer, an urban planning buff who directed the film Streets Without Cars, said he is excited to inhabit a landmark building on a classic main street.

By opening The Roman Candle, Stouffer will be joining a business district that is gaining steam: Erik's Bike Shop has plans to move in next door, The Bay restaurant just opened, and two other food establishments – Grace & Shelly's Cupcakes and a Vinamo wine and tapas bar – are also in the works.

"All of a sudden Silver Spring is really kicking up, and being a part of that transformation is rewarding," he said. "I really care about the dynamics of the street. I care just as much about making a positive impact in the community as I do about being a restaurateur."