Pizza parlor to rise from ashes of deadly fire

A new neighborhood dining establishment is about to rise from the ashes of one of West Roxbury's worst tragedies.

An Upper Crust restaurant, part of a growing chain of Boston-area up-market pizza parlors, is slated to open in early spring in the space formerly occupied by the Tai Ho restaurant on Centre Street.

A fire at Tai Ho in August 2007 killed two Boston firefighters and destroyed the Chinese restaurant. The building has been empty since the tragedy.

"The neighborhood really wants something that will fill the space," said Brendan Higgins, co-owner of the Upper Crust chain. "Until something is in there, it is going to be a reminder of what happened."

"We are very happy there is a tenant for this location," said Kelly Tynan, who recently served as executive director of the West Roxbury Main Streets program. "Even better is the fact that it is someone from a local family that is the franchisee."

Franchise owner Paul Santangelo is a West Roxbury resident. He is also the son of a firefighter.

Started on Beacon Hill eight years ago, Upper Crust now has 14 locations in and around Boston. The restaurants feature thin-crust pizza, fresh ingredients, open kitchens, and takeout and delivery service. The West Roxbury restaurant will have 40 to 50 seats, said Higgins.

"We'll have some TVs on for the games. It will be a fun environment and a family atmosphere."

The West Roxbury Neighborhood Council endorsed the new restaurant, which still needs city approval for a liquor license.

District 6 City Councilor John M. Tobin Jr. voiced support for the new restaurant and praised property owner Jack Kennedy for the prompt cleanup and repair of the building after the fire.

"Jack Kennedy has done a lot to bring the block back," he said.

ROBERT PREER