In Crust We Trust
Arnikko’s Pizzeria, a Slice of Love and Legacy
Story and photos by Laura Loan
The aroma of freshly baked pizza and simmering tomato sauce now fills a familiar Westfort corner, one that has found new life through the love and determination of Brandy Pulice and her partner, Tom Woycheshin.
Opened at the beginning of October, Arnikko’s Pizzeria is more than just a new restaurant—it’s the continuation of a family legacy deeply rooted in the Westfort community. For Pulice, the venture is both a new chapter and a tribute to her past. “I managed the Wayland in Westfort for 16 years; that was my father’s business,” says Pulice. “My dad, Gary Pulice, owned Paulucci’s Confectionery for 36 years. I learned a lot from him and didn’t want to waste the skills and experience I got from him. I wanted to keep the family business going.”
With Woycheshin’s quiet support and steady presence, Pulice’s lively, outgoing personality fills the space. Together, they’ve built something that feels both fresh and familiar, a reflection of their partnership, their humour, and their shared love of food, and of Westfort. “We drove past this corner every day for the last million years, and we just thought, okay, let's look at it and try to bring some life back to this corner.” Their affection for the area runs deep. “We love our neighbourhood,” Pulice says. “Westfort is a very tight-knit community.”
Stepping inside Arnikko’s feels like walking into a modern Italian bistro nestled in the heart of a friendly neighbourhood. Dark wood counters, sleek, patterned black lines, and windowsills lined with pots of fresh herbs give the space a hip, urban vibe while keeping it warm and welcoming. The scent of basil and oregano mingles with the cosy smell of pizza baking in the oven. A repurposed, lit-up arrow sign, once tucked away for years, now serves as the pizzeria’s menu, a playful and unexpected touch that perfectly fits the space’s personality. “It’s a homey feel, I think, a fresh feel,” Pulice says. “We wanted you to smell the herbs when you walked in.” Even the window artwork, designed by local artist Wendy Horner, adds a handcrafted charm that ties the whole space together.
The menu features eight pizzas, all with infused oils, locally sourced ingredients, and secret family recipes passed down through generations. Highlights include the Stallone—an Italian pizza, Pulice’s favourite, topped with salami and ricotta cheese—and the Canadian Eh, a classic Canadian-style pizza with an added drizzle of maple syrup. And then there’s the Weston, a deluxe pizza named after Pulice’s youngest grandchild, a heartfelt tribute to a name that already carries family meaning. “Arnikko” itself is a blend of her first two grandchildren’s names, making the pizzeria’s identity deeply personal from top to bottom.
Arnikko’s is still in its early days, but the excitement is unmistakable. Pulice says the best is yet to come. “Bear with us,” she says with a smile. “Have patience. Grow with us. The menu will be growing; it’ll be changing, evolving. We look forward to feeding everyone.”
As the aroma of fresh herbs drift through the air and laughter fills the room, one thing is clear: Westfort’s newest pizzeria isn’t just serving pizza; it’s serving a slice of home, infused with heart, one pie at a time.
Arnikko's Pizzeria
1501 Brown Street
807-623-5966
