Bristol restaurant makes pizza a 4th of July tradition

BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — Every Fourth of July, tens of thousands of revelers head to Bristol to celebrate America’s independence in a place known for the longest running Independence Day celebration in the nation.

Locally owned businesses put in months of preparation for the influx of customers. At the Bristol House of Pizza, owner Gregory Gatos ordered more than 3,000 pounds of cheese and pepperoni to prepare for the big day.

Since its opening in 1977, the family-owned pizza shop has had all hands-on deck for the busy holiday to serve up more than 1,000 pizzas.

Grabbing a slice of pepperoni pizza is a Fourth of July staple for many long-time Bristol residents. The Bristol House of Pizza, or “B-hop,” affectionately nicknamed by the locals, sees roughly a 400% increase in sales.

Despite the increase, Gatos and his family said it’s not about quantity, but the quality of the ingredients.

“Of course, it’s great, but it’s not about the money. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality and having a good time and enjoying yourself absolutely,” Gatos said.