Why did Amatos change name to Burrata Woodfired?

MOUNT VERNON – Same building. New name. New entrees and new wood-fired pizzas.

Burrata Woodfired, formerly known as Amatos Woodfired Pizza, has new ownership as of Jan. 1.

Owner Erica Grigsby started at Amatos Woodfired Pizza when it opened in June 2018. Grigsby climbed the ladder and eventually became the general manager.

She stuck with the Italian restaurant through several hardships such as the COVID-19 lockdowns and construction on Ohio 13 in 2021 where the restaurant was located.

After finding financial stability, the former owners decided to sell the restaurant to Grigsby to focus on new business ventures. The announcement was made in October.

The origins of Burrata Woodfired’s name came from the soft cheese, adding another Italian note to the Mount Vernon location.

Along with the new name comes new dishes, such as the peppery-whipped cheese dip served with rosemary focaccia bread.

Some menu favorites are still available, including the steak salad and the scampi bread. The pizza selection includes new recipes like the angry pig pizza, layered with an Alfredo base with ham, bacon, kielbasa, jalapeños and fresh mozzarella.

“When I took over as owner, keeping the atmosphere was important to me,” Grigsby said. “We have a lot of regulars, a lot of people in the community that come here to hang out and just chill and have a good time.”

Sourcing locally is another important value for Burrata Woodfired, Grigsby said.

The restaurant draws ingredients from Lanning’s Foods and purchases lettuce from a hydroponics farm in Jeromesville. Veggies are grown locally in the summer too, Grigsby added.

With all the changes and traditions, Grigsby says the restaurant’s energy has stayed consistent.

“It’s exciting,” Grigsby said. “We have people coming, calling, asking questions. People coming in that didn’t know about it. I think all the staff is really excited for the change.

“Once the new signs went up on the building, it really ramped up.”