Story & Photos by Brenda Eggert Brader
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Mickey Rooney, Jameson Paige and Jason Bedford have pooled their knowledge and opened Pizza Central in downtown Winter Haven. The spot is unique in two ways. Jameson is a culinary school graduate and created the wow of pizza sauce. But he doesn’t stop there; he has created pasta dishes for those who want to have an entrée and subs that are created with fresh herbs, cheeses and meats. But the jumbo wings are their calling card says Jason, who is the manager with experience in running a kitchen gleaned from years at a local steak house. “We are not the typical pizza restaurant. We are going to break a lot of barriers,” said Jason. The second unique idea is what owner, Mickey Rooney (not the actor, but the Polk County native), has in mind.

In Winter Haven back in the 1970s and 1980s there was a restaurant that served pizza which offered a game room. It was called J. Burns. “Pizza Central has those goals in mind,” said Mickey. “There is a game room next door, the Wired Warrior, where children of all ages can claim a computer and play all the popular electronic games. The pizza parlor has televisions to view sports. Eventually television monitors will be in the restaurants so parents can watch what their children are doing in the game room,” said Mickey.

As if to claim it all, a bistro atmosphere plays outside where tables offer shaded dining. A beer and wine license caters to those who would like a glass of wine with their pizza or pasta dish. There is a wait staff for your convenience. No one has to stand at a counter and order their meal. Another plus is delivery from 4-10 p.m. on Friday through Sunday.

But let’s get back to those wings. Jason says they are jumbo because “no one likes little sticks with a little bit of meat when they are eating wings.” Jameson has created a signature sauce that he says is sweet and a little spicy. The wings are the second most popular item in the restaurant. From his culinary school roots in Miami, Jamison has created a recipe collection of items and now has the site to tempt appetites. He has indulged in creating a white sauce Alfredo for pizza to which he adds fresh garlic and basil.

“I make the sauces for the pizzas and pastas as I need them,” said Jameson. “Everything is fresh. They are similar enough that they are easy enough to prepare when a diner requests a dish. We try new ideas for a little while to see how they go over. When something is popular it stays on the menu,” said Jameson.

Pizza puffs are something new. They consist of sauce, cheese and pepperoni rolled into a bun the same way a cinnamon bun is made. The puffs include fresh oregano and are brushed with garlic butter. “Everything might not be so good for you, but it is so good to eat,” said Mickey. The Italian sub is the most popular and men say the ham and cheese sub is a staple at lunchtime. “Nothing is rationed,” said Jason. “Everything we serve has generous portions and the pastas are really thick with items.” During the cooler months the menu will include soups so a customer can get soup and a salad. Prices for pastas range from $6.50 to $7.99. Salads are $2.25 to $5.50 (that is the chef’s salad with ham, bacon and chicken); subs are $5.59 to $7.99 (half or whole). Pizza slice is $2.25 and pizzas are $8 to $14.95 depending upon the toppings and the specialty.

Pizza Central is located at 280 West Central Avenue in Winter Haven and can be reached at 293- 0077. Store hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.