Poppin’ Pizza opens in Irvine harbour as new owner takes over former restaurant

A former Irvine pizzeria has been taken over and given a fresh new look.

Poppin’ Pizza opened earlier this month after owner Scott Houston took over the former Nonna’s House.

Scott, who was previously manager of Pings Pizza in Kilmarnock, is now bringing the Italian cuisine back to Irvine every weekend.

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Serving pizza, chicken, loaded mac and loaded fries, Poppin’ Pizza offers a wide range and includes gluten-free and vegan options.

In August, Nonna’s House announced that they had closed and would no longer be selling their authentic, Italian, hand-stretched pizzas as well as sides like chicken strips, salads and loaded fries.

Since opening night on Friday, November 8, Scott has been overwhelmed by the response.

Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Scott said: “There has been a good response so far. We always try to over do it a bit on the social media if possible.

“Everyone that has popped in has been incredibly excited and buzzing for us so that feels really good.

“We are next door to Niche as well and, already, we are getting a really good response from the people that work there.

“Everyone else who has a business along the harbourside has popped in and said hello and if they’ve not then we’ve popped into them and said hello.

“It has just been great. I don’t mean to bash Killie in anyway but everyone is very friendly up this way.

“We are very thankful to everyone that has come to visit us.”

“I have been the manager at Pings in Kilmarnock since it opened. A couple of months ago, we managed to find out about the Nonna’s House building being available.

“I got in touch with Margo and managed to set it all up. I funnelled all the money I made being manager in Kilmarnock into this.

“I did get help from the Killie boys but it was mostly me. I just thought I would go for it.

“It is such a great spot on the harbour side as well and the building was ready to go essentially. It seemed like a missed opportunity if we didn’t do it.”

Poppin’ Pizza, located on Irvine’s Harbourside, is open Fridays 4pm to 10pm, Saturdays 12pm to 10pm and Sundays 12pm to 8pm.

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