The Roman Candle Pizza
Roman Candle Pizzeria (often Roman Candle Pizza) was a local pizza chain founded by Brewer Stouffer, who began building the first Roman Candle, on Williamson Street, in 2004[1]. At its largest it had six locations, and it was known for using more than 50 local products[1]. The last store, in Middleton, closed in February 2023[2].
History
The chain grew to six locations: Williamson Street, Monroe Street, Middleton, Fitchburg, Whitefish Bay, and one at the Madison Children's Museum[1]. The Monroe Street and Fitchburg stores closed in late 2019. The original Williamson Street store closed in May 2022, after 18 years: "we just never quite recovered from COVID"[2].
Stouffer announced in January 2023 that the Middleton store, part of Middleton for about 15 years, would close after February 4. It was still profitable, but staff had become hard to find; he had an accepted offer on the building and was working full time as a consultant[2].
Pizza
- The Algo Malo pizza was pictured with the State Journal's report of the closing[2].
Former Locations
- 1054 Williamson St. (2004 to May 2022). Sultan opened there in May 2023[3].
- 2623 Monroe St. (to late 2019). Alimentari, an Italian deli, opened there in February 2025[4].
- 1920 Parmenter St., Middleton (to February 2023). Fajitas, Tapas & Bar opened there in June 2023[5], and Thalaivas Indian N Chinese Kitchen in 2024[6].
- Fitchburg (to late 2019).
- Whitefish Bay, and the Madison Children's Museum[1].
See also
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Euseary, A. (2023, January 25). "Burned out: Roman Candle owner reflects on closing his pizza business." The Capital Times. p. O29. Newspapers.com image 921117520.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Kalk Derby, S. (2023, January 18). "Remaining Roman Candle Pizza to close; 'restaurant work is not easy'." madison.com.
- ↑ Kalk Derby, S. (2023, October 15). "No-tipping newcomer deserves lots of praise." madison.com.
- ↑ (2025, August 27). Alimentari's second deli at 2623 Monroe St. The Capital Times. p. O32. Newspapers.com image 1243213521.
- ↑ Kalk Derby, S. (2023, December 28). "13 restaurants or bars in the Madison area that closed in 2023." madison.com.
- ↑ Kalk Derby, S. (2025, January 1). "54 Madison-area restaurants, bars and cafes that opened in 2024." madison.com.
