Buddy’s Pizza Plus: A fresh ingredient, family-focused eatery new to Old Forge

Daughter- and father-in-law team, Kim O’Grady and James Riley, have pooled their culinary resources to open the new Buddy’s Pizza Plus restaurant at 2992 State Route 28 in Old Forge.

Riley, who has been involved in the restaurant/catering business in the Utica area for the last 40 years, and O’Grady, who also has a history in the food business, regularly cook for family and friends at gatherings.

Kim O'Grady and James Riley, Owners of Buddy's Pizza Plus

Kim O’Grady and James Riley, Owners of Buddy’s Pizza Plus

It was at the urging of their family that they take their culinary skills to the professional level and share it with the public.

Don’t let their Irish surnames fool you. O’Grady offers assurance that their recipes and techniques have come straight from their Italian friends and neighbors who test-marketed the dishes and stamped them with their seal of approval.

But their menu is not limited to Italian specialties as they also serve up a variety of hot tunnels, cold subs, salads, and wings slathered in a homemade sauce that is quickly becoming a favorite among customers of all ages, according to O’Grady.

Gluten-free selections are also on the menu.

In the fall she’s looking forward to adding comfort foods such as soups, stews and her signature Swedish meatballs to the mix of offerings.

O’Grady takes pride in her and Riley’s homestyle approach to cooking, using only the freshest of ingredients—from herbs, to produce, to dressings and sauces, cheeses, seafood and meats—with their dough made fresh daily.

As the resident baker, Riley applies that same principal to his cannolis, cheesecake, cookies and brownies.

“Because of all the food shows on television, I believe the customer is more educated then ever on what quality food is. There is an appreciation of good food that everyone has learned from their parents—and we’re passing that on to our customers,” O’Grady said.

Customers of Buddy’s Pizza Plus can eat-in or take-out and delivery is available. Catering services are also available.

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