Country boy inspired by his Nonna opens new pizza shop in Byron Bay

BRAD Sutherland has fond memories of eating his Italian Nonna’s homemade pizza as a boy.

“They were beautiful,” he said. “She’d make her dough fresh and it was made with love, like grandmothers do.”

Sutherland got his first job at a local pizza shop in Goondiwindi as a teenager. Over the years, the store changed names and owners several times before Sutherland eventually took over, launching Porky’s Pizzas — named after his footy nickname — in 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 lockdowns began.

“Because we offered delivery we benefited us in a way,” he said. “We also offered a few things in the community, like if you ordered between 2pm and 4pm we’d pick up people’s groceries as well.”

The 32-year-old had always dreamed of expanding. When the chance arose to take over the old Legend Pizza shop in Byron Bay, he jumped at it.

“Even though it’s on the beach it’s still a small town vibe, not like a city, and it’s good you get to know everybody,” he said.

“Obviously there’s more competition here, so we have to be more on the ball. It will give us more drive to be better, and try to be the best.”

Porky’s menu features more than 40 types of pizza, including its signature Mega Meatlovers — a hearty combination of bacon, pulled beef, shredded ham, chicken, Italian sausage and pepperoni.

It also offers gluten-free and vegan options, sides such as jalapeño poppers and chicken wings, and indulgent desserts like apple pie bites, churros and American fudge brownies.

The Marvell Street eatery’s fun fit-out includes a wall of fame with black-and-white photos of Sutherland’s family and his original team when he opened his first store, plus a papier-mâché wall decorated with pictures of celebrities eating pizza and playful slogans like “Take it easy, keep it cheesy.”

The Byron Bay store employs around 20 staff, including some who worked for the previous owners. For Sutherland, keeping a strong community focus is just as important as serving great pizza.”We’re big on sponsoring sporting teams and giving kids their first jobs,” he said.