Friends and associates are mourning the passing of Big Apple Pizza co-founder, Patrick O’Sullivan, who died Jan. 13 at the age of 44. 

A Queens, New York, native, O’Sullivan was known for his warm and generous spirit. He developed a reputation for winning strangers over in minutes. 

He leaves his wife, Brianne, and four children. 

Along with Chad Castator, O’Sullivan brought authentic New York City pizza to the Summit City with a food truck and brick-and-mortar shop in 2014 at 1130 N. Wells Street. In August 2020, the shop moved downtown to 120 W. Wayne St. He stepped away from the business in 2021. 

The pizza joint quickly gained a following for its authentic NYC style. Drawing from his youth in “The City,” he poured all that experience and energy into Big Apple Pizza, and it was a hit. Those with New York, New Jersey, or East Coast roots raved about how it represented a visit back home. 

He also worked at Club Soda. 

A GoFundMe page for O’Sullivan had generated more than $18,000 as of press time. You can find the page by searching for Patrick O’Sullivan at gofundme.com.

Along with the GoFundMe page, Big Apple Pizza announced on Jan. 20 that they would be donating a portion of their weekly sales to O’Sullivan’s wife and children.

“His legacy lives on in every pie we serve,” a post on their Facebook page reads.

First Watch opens at Jefferson Pointe

First Watch, 4541 Illinois Road, has opened in the Jefferson Pointe Shopping Plaza, next to Xfinity. 

With seating for more than 170, inside and outside, it features breakfast and lunch favorites. The restaurant chain has more than 500 locations nationally, including Indianapolis and Carmel. 

The company says they focus on fresh food; they do not use heat lamps or microwaves. Their menu also changes according to the season, an homage to the earth’s rotation around the sun. 

First Watch say their specialties are Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Million Dollar Bacon. They also have wraps, omelets, and a wide selection of juices and coffee.

Girl Scouts begin selling cookies

It’s Girl Scout cookie time. 

The 2025 campaign is now underway. While this is the last year for S’mores and Toast-Yays, old stand-bys like Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, and Peanut Butter Patties remain on the menu. 

According to Girl Scouts of America, they sell about 200 million cookies a year. They first started selling the cookies in homemade batches in 1917. 

To find a pop-up booth or troop near you, go to GirlScoutCookies.org

New kind of hot dog joint opens in Bluffton

Pitties Dog House will open with a slow rollout at 211 W. Market St. in Bluffton, beginning Thursday, Jan. 23.

Citing costs, owners say they’ll start as a 21-and-older facility, but plan family dining in the future.

“Since we are not using banks and are a small business, a lot of the expense comes out of pocket,” a social media post from Dec. 17 reads. “With that being said even though we are opening there will still be work being done and things added as time moves on.”

For now, they are open Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-midnight or later. The kitchen service runs from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 

Hot dog lovers will flip for their Italian with cheddar and mozzarella and the nacho dog with Doritos, chili, and cheese. They’ll also notice their chili dog, a creation accented with bacon and banana and jalapeño peppers, and the Chicago Dog. They also have subs, including ham, turkey, and monster subs.

There will also be signature shots and cocktails, along with beer.

Latin flavors at South Calhoun restaurant

You can now get the “flavors of Guatemala, Colombia, and Peru” by stopping at Antojitos Latinos at 3028 Calhoun St.

Holding their grand opening this month, the restaurant’s Columbian fare includes empanadas and arepas, as well as Peruvian ceviches and such delights at tamales from Guatemala.

“Come enjoy the real Latin flavors in each dish,” their website boasts.

The restaurant located in the former Mon Asian Grocery is open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.

New Haven Foundation hosts chili cook-off

Does your chili bring the heat? Here’s your chance to show it off. 

The New Haven Community Foundation will host their second annual chili cook-off Sat., Feb. 1, at the New Haven Community Center, 7500 Indiana 930 East, from 5-9 p.m. 

Cost is $10 per person and kids 12 and younger are free. There will also be trivia beginning at 7:30 p.m. for an additional fee. 

Get more information at newhavenfoundation.com/events. Proceeds benefit the New Haven Community Foundation.

Grocery in works for southeast Fort Wayne

Plans for a new grocery store in southeast Fort Wayne are moving forward, as Sweet Asian seeks to bring fruit, vegetables, and meat products to the area.

The Fort Wayne Board of Zoning Appeals recently approved rezoning space that once housed Anthony Medical Center, 5717 S. Anthony Blvd. 

With approval, owners have six months to begin renovations.

You can now grab lunch at Village Tap

Village Tap, 1235 E. State Blvd., has expanded to serve lunch Tuesday-Friday, beginning at 11 a.m. 

Everything from ribs, wings, salads, and sandwiches — including Cuban, half-pound burgers, gyros, brisket, pulled pork, and Reuben — and salads will be available.

News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.