Fort Wayne’s beloved New York-style pizza spot, Big Apple Pizza, is expanding. Owner Tim Hartwig confirmed plans for a second location on the city’s north side, and locals are already buzzing with excitement about what this means for the growing food scene in northeast Indiana.
New Shop Taking Over Former Tim Horton’s Building
Big Apple Pizza will set up its second home at the corner of Coldwater and Union Chapel roads, moving into the former Tim Horton’s building on Fort Wayne’s north side. Hartwig shared the news on the restaurant’s Facebook page on Friday, March 27, sparking a wave of enthusiastic reactions from loyal customers.
The location is a high-traffic intersection that sees steady footfall from nearby neighborhoods and commuters. For a restaurant built on walk-in slices and quick service, the spot offers strong visibility and easy access.
Hartwig said he hopes to open the new store within weeks, well ahead of the July 1 deadline. That timeline suggests renovations and permitting are already well underway, a sign that the team has been quietly preparing this move behind the scenes for some time.
From Wells Street to Wayne Street and Beyond
Big Apple Pizza’s journey in Fort Wayne started back in 2014, when Hartwig opened the first shop on Wells Street. The restaurant quickly earned a reputation for serving authentic, oversized New York-style slices that stood apart from the usual Midwestern pizza chains.
In 2020, the restaurant relocated to 120 West Wayne Street in downtown Fort Wayne. That move brought it closer to the heart of the city’s dining and nightlife district, helping it build an even stronger following.
Here is a quick look at the restaurant’s growth timeline:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2014 | First location opens on Wells Street |
| 2020 | Moves to 120 West Wayne Street (downtown) |
| 2026 | Second location announced at Coldwater and Union Chapel |
Now, with over a decade of serving the community, the brand is ready to reach a new audience on the north side.
Downtown Location Stays Open
One thing Hartwig made very clear in his announcement is that the Wayne Street location is not going anywhere.
For regular customers who have made the downtown shop part of their routine, that is welcome news. The original spot has become a staple of Fort Wayne’s downtown food scene, especially on weekends and during events at nearby venues.
The second location is an expansion, not a replacement. Both shops will operate simultaneously, giving fans on opposite sides of the city easier access to their favorite slices.
This approach reflects a smart growth strategy. Rather than stretching one location thin, Hartwig is planting a flag in a completely different part of town where demand clearly exists.
A Third Location Could Be Next
Hartwig did not stop at announcing just one new shop. He also hinted that he is eyeing a third location on Fort Wayne’s southwest side.
While there are no formal plans yet, the mention signals confidence in the brand and growing demand across the city. Fort Wayne’s southwest corridor has seen steady residential and commercial development in recent years, making it a natural target for expanding restaurants.
“He is also looking to bring their New York-style slices to a third location out southwest.”
If that plan comes together, Big Apple Pizza could eventually serve all four corners of Fort Wayne, turning a single downtown pizza shop into a true local chain.
What This Means for Fort Wayne’s Food Scene
Fort Wayne’s restaurant landscape has been evolving rapidly. The city has attracted national attention in recent years for its growing culinary identity, blending Midwestern comfort food with diverse new flavors. Local favorites expanding within the city is a strong sign of economic health and consumer confidence.
Big Apple Pizza’s growth fits into a larger trend of homegrown Fort Wayne businesses scaling up rather than being replaced by national franchises. That kind of organic expansion benefits the local economy in meaningful ways:
- Job creation at the new location
- Increased tax revenue for the city
- Stronger neighborhood identity around the Coldwater and Union Chapel area
- More dining options for north side residents
It also sends a message to other local restaurant owners that there is room to grow in Fort Wayne without leaving the city.
The fact that Hartwig is converting a vacant Tim Horton’s building into a thriving pizza shop adds another layer to the story. Empty commercial spaces getting new life is always a win for the surrounding community.
As Fort Wayne pizza lovers count down the days until that north side window slides open with a fresh, hot slice, one thing is clear. Big Apple Pizza is no longer just a downtown favorite. It is becoming a citywide brand. Drop a comment below and share your favorite Big Apple Pizza order. If you are in Fort Wayne, keep an eye on their Facebook page for the official opening date.
