Brad Goul cuts into a pizza recently in his business, which operated out of space in a building that housed Rodriguez Bakery until last month. (The Enterprise/Yadira Lopez)
NYSSA — Fans of G.R.ate Pizza will have to find a new alternative.
Brad Goul served up his last slices last Saturday. For nearly 10 years, Goul rented space and equipment from the Rodriguez Bakery to make his crowd-pleasing pizzas, but with the bakery moving to Fruitland, Goul had to close.
Goul has worked for the Owyhee Irrigation District for nearly 30 years, currently as a field supervisor. But he said pizzas have been a part of his life since he was 14, when he wore the grizzly bear suit at Grizzly Bear Pizza.
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In 2010, looking to supplement his income, Goul teamed up with the bakery and set up shop for take-out pizzas on Fridays and Saturdays. His wife Jackie and his daughter Lindsey would help him out. He said the numbers vary but on any given weekend he would see around 20 orders.
“The Rodriguezs have been incredible to work with,” said Goul.
Pizza-making is a hobby of Goul’s, but he said what he’ll miss most is interacting with his customers.
A regular who found out it was Goul’s last weekend making pizza called in to order six “State Champions” – meat, veggies, pineapple and shrimp – unbaked. He told Goul he’s going to freeze them for later.
For now Goul is not sure whether he’ll make his pizzas elsewhere.
“I don’t think he’s done yet,” said Goul’s daughter, Heleena Schaub. “He’s always worked two or three jobs. He’s always been very hardworking.”
Contact Yadira Lopez at the Enterprise, 541-473-3377 or [email protected].
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