Gilbert taking over Pizza Cravin'

Aug. 24—NORWALK — Brad Gilbert said it's about keeping the family's business name alive.

Gilbert, 41, is set to become the new owner of Pizza Cravin' in Norwalk.

"It's my time," the 41-year-old Gilbert said. "I have been in the pizza game all of my life. My parents (Deb and Gary Gilbert) ran Pizza Brothers when it was downtown in the early 80s through the 90s.

"I will take over Pizza Cravin' as of Sept. 1 and my menu will start Oct. 1," he added. "They (owners Dave and Donna Lawrence) are going to stick around to help out until we are comfortable with the business. On Oct. 1 we will have a ribbon-cutting with the mayor (Dave Light)."

Gilbert said pizza is in his blood.

"I worked for Pizza Brothers for 12 years and I have worked at Pizza Cravin' before that," he said. "I have been in the pizza business all my life. I am going to let my product speak for itself. I have been born and raised in Norwalk. I am hoping what I have will be what the people in Norwalk like. We have the only brick oven in Norwalk.

"I am all about my family and the city that has taken care of me for 41 years," he added. "I will have more than competitive pricing. I am not out to be in competition with anybody in town. I will do my thing, they can do their's, and let the people decide."

Gilbert said the decision is for his family and the people of Norwalk.

"I want people to get pizza on Friday or Saturday and still have money to bowl because it will be priced low enough to do both," he said.

Gilbert comes from a long list of business owners in town.

"My family has had businesses in Norwalk since the 50s," he said. "And my uncle Larry Hilson was chief of police. He also had a glass store called Homan Glass and my Aunt Margaret had a store called Margaret's Gift Shop, where the old hotel in town used to be. My great-grandpa had Homan Appliance where Sheri's Coffee Shop is."

Pizza Cravin' will be open from 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

"My brother (Scott Gilbert) is going to work with me," Brad said. "My son (Ethan) will work with me. My son Cohen will come down to help and my other son Grayson will help where he can. It will eventually go to them when I retire."

Brad is his wife, Jaime (Kelley) Gilbert, have four children.