A Federal Hill bar is hoping to make some dough with the aid of pepperoni and mozzarella.
Grumpies Pour House is expanding into the Cross St. building next door to its current location and putting in a coal-fired pizza oven, owner John Dolaway says.
Currently, the six-year-old bar at 25 Cross St. serves alcohol and no eats. But once the owners tear down the wall between that building and 23 Cross St., they will serve pizza, salads and maybe wings. Dolaway owns both buildings.
The extra space will allow it to seat another 40 customers, to a total of about 100.
Dolaway says he thought pizza was a good idea since there aren't too many pizza joints in Federal Hill. It could also bring in the family crowd earlier in the evening, Dolaway says.
Dolaway says it's "foolish" to run a bar without offering people something to eat � another avenue to earn money in the same space.
"I think we can make money doing this," Dolaway says. "I feel there is a need for something like this."
Dolaway says he likes Federal Hill because of the vibrant, city life, where people can walk to Cross Street Market and other locales.
"It's a fantastic place for young adults to congregate."
Dolaway says he does not know yet how much the expansion, which will take about six months, will cost.
Writer: Julekha Dash
Source: John Dolaway, Grumpies