SHELBURNE — Inspired by her work at Berkshire Pizza, Ilyza Earle has opened her own outdoor pizzeria at 1204 Mohawk Trail, and is receiving positive responses from tourists and locals alike.
“I like to put together interesting flavor combinations,” Earle said of her work running Za’s Hot Slices.
Earle buys local seasonal vegetables from Windy Ridge Organics in Hawley. Some of the combinations she sells are chicken, tomato and feta; loaded veggie with pesto and basil; and sausage, pepperoni and mushroom.
The restaurant sells pizza in slices, but entire pies can be purchased upon request.
The outdoor restaurant consists of a large oven connected to a propane tank, a full refrigerator and running water, all under a 10-by-20-foot tent. Earle hopes to one day turn the operation into a mobile food truck.
“Brick and mortar would be fun,” she said, “but it’s not for me.”
Originally from White Plains, New York, Earle moved to Charlemont when she was 15. She has gained years of experience working in local restaurants, including Hearty Eats, The Boathouse Galley, and Rowe Camp and Conference Center.
The experience that pushed Earle to make the jump into her own business came when she worked at Berkshire Pizza for eight years, eventually becoming the restaurant manager.
“The pandemic must have had something to do with the motivation to open this,” Earle added. She explained being forced to be idle during 2020 forced her to rethink work and to open her own business.
“I have been welcomed by the businesses on Route 2,” Earle said. “The landlord at The Duck Pond has been very helpful and fantastic. I love being a part of that area.”
The hardest part of the job, Earle explained, is the work-life balance. Aside from running a pizza restaurant by herself, Earle is a mother, keeping her busy when the outdoor restaurant is not open. Luckily, she receives help from her partner, Alex McKusick.
Throughout the summer, Za’s Hot Slices will be open for lunch on the weekend. Passersby can purchase pizza from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. If it’s raining, the restaurant may not open.
Contact Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.