New pizza joint fills void in Fondren area. See where it is

The former gas station that sits between Pig & Pint and Highball Lanes in Fondren has been considered for many potential projects.

For many years, it was a yoga studio, and it was even considered for a new location of Ed's Burger Joint that never came to fruition.

But last week, owners of The Station began a soft opening for a new pizza place that has an outdoor pizza oven and a full bar.

"We looked at several concepts that we could do there," said Jason Watkins who is one of the owners. "It's such a neat building with good frontage, but it proved to be very challenging to renovate because of how it falls on the hill."

The original plan when Ed's Burger Joint was going to be there was to expand in order create the capacity it would need. However, that proved to be too expensive, which eventually shuttered the project.

However, another idea came along when Sal & Mookie's left Fondren for The District at Eastover.

"We just realized there was a void for pizza in the area, and we really decided to lean into that," Watkins said.

Implementing an outdoor pizza oven helped the process as it was not necessary to build a full kitchen. It also makes for an interesting experience for diners who can hang out outside and still see their pizzas being made.

The ownership group replaced the old garage doors to take advantage of the old gas station feel that carries throughout the property.

"With the addition of the green space outside, it really makes for a fun place to bring your family and dogs and have a happy space," Watkins said.

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Simultaneously, Watkins said his group is working on a project for the back of the building where they are creating green space that will have a performance area that will have a lot of outdoor activities and will be open to the neighborhood.

"We are really hoping to make this a nice outdoor gathering place for the neighborhood," Watkins said.

Juanita Crimiel, who works as the chef for Highball Lanes next door, will also be the head chef for The Station.

"So far, everything has gone really well through the soft opening," Watkins said. "So, we are ready to roll it out."

He said a ribbon cutting is scheduled for Sept. 20.

The Station will serve various pizzas that range from traditional offerings such as pepperoni or margarita all the way to a shrimp and boudin special.

Appetizers will include a charcuterie board, calamari meat balls, sliders, truffle toast and marinated mushrooms among many other items.

The one dessert item is zeppole, which Watkins said, "is almost a cross between a begnet and a cinnabun. It's really good."

The Station is open for dinner Tuesday through Friday and lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

Ross Reily can be reached by email at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on Twitter @GreenOkra1.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: New pizza restaurant opens in Fondren in Jackson MS