Outpost Pizza Reopens Following Accident, Community Support: “It was at that moment when I realized that Westport is a great town.”

Owner, Joey Dedovic Stands Outside Outpost Pizza

Outpost Pizza has officially reopened following a car crash that forced the business to close in late June. Over the last month, the owners, staff, and community worked tirelessly to get the eatery up and running. The father-and-son owned restaurant was as crowded as ever Friday, thanks to the locals' cravings for Outpost’s delicious pies.

Owner, Joey Dedovic described some of the challenges he faced when trying to get the business open again. From paying money from his own pocket to restore the building and decor, to keeping his employees, rebuilding was not easy. Many of the employees took jobs with local competitors once word got out that Outpost Pizza closed. “I'm just trying to get back to where it was, from day one, if not better actually. People were lining out the door from the start.” He also mentioned his economic struggles, “If this was my only source of income, this place would still be closed.” Outpost Pizza has another location in Stamford which has been open for 14 years. Dedovic is also looking forward to the future, he plans on obtaining a liquor license for the restaurant. He also wants to add more tables for people to dine in.

Dedovic became emotional when describing a key moment in his opening day. He mentioned that an eight-year-old girl brought him an envelope with money that she made from her lemonade stand to help him reopen. “That meant more to me than anything.” He was stunned that a person, especially a child could be that selfless. “It was at that moment when I realized that Westport is a great town.”

With such a strong community backing Outpost Pizza, it seems that success is inevitable for the locally owned pizza shop. Why should one visit? Take it from Joey himself, “It’s good pizza.”

Photos & Words by Caelan Chevrier for The Westport Local Press.