The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Litchfield’s Boho turns 20
Owners keep it tasty and pay it forward
LITCHFIELD — There’s a notso-secret-to success that keeps Bohemian Pizza a buzzing a success after two decades.
“We are super proud of our staff. They are fully committed to providing the best food and service each day, and to making every customer feel like they’re part of the Boho family,” said Rene Mackenzie, communications and social media coordinator for the business.
Bohemian Pizza recently marked its 20th anniversary of being in business and remains an eatery and hangout known for its laid-back atmosphere, and quirky decor along with the fare.
“The restaurant was first established in 1999 with two original owners, one of whom is Gary Copeland, who is still with us today,” Rene Mackenzie said.
“My husband, Jason Mackenzie, bought out the other original owner in 2006 following his graduation from culinary school,” she said.
Bohemian Pizza, or Boho as it is affectionately referred to by devoted staff and patrons, has been near and dear to the hearts of the couple for a long time, as both were previously employed there while in high school.
“When the opportunity to bring the restaurant back into our lives came up, it was an easy choice,” Rene Mackenzie said of their decision to purchase it.
From the time customers pull into the parking lot, the woodshingled building that flaunts many eccentric, whimsical elements is evident: Colored lights are strung about the front porch, pink Adirondack chairs sit among the landscaping, faux palm trees tower near the entrance, and a surfboard is mounted to the porch railing.
Inside, vinyl records decorate the walls, a canoe is suspended from the ceiling, a stone, doublesided fireplace anchors the space and two custom-made 2,500- and 1,500-gallon fish tanks teem with fish, eels and other aquatic critters.
The current iteration of the building, however, is the product of a massive renovation completed in 2017. The original building was
constructed in the 1930s as a residential house and over the years, multiple additions had been attached. Through its history, the building served as home to several businesses including a nursery, coffee shop and steakhouse.
“After acquiring the property that the building resides on, we couldn’t wait to rebuild. The original building needed more repairs than it was worth,” said Rene Mackenzie. The original building was completely razed save for that stone, double-sided fireplace and a single wall.
“Everything else that now exists in the restaurant is completely new, including a much needed expanded kitchen, bar and seating area.”
When rebuilding, “we did not want to lose the character of the original restaurant, so much of the original footprint remains along with the same well-known spunky decor,” Mackenzie said.
On the menu, in addition to a large selection of pizzas, including buildyour-own options and favorites such as Buffalo chicken, Margarita and Greek goddess, there are salads, burgers, pasta dishes, a kid’s menu and desserts available.
“We are very happy to be able to offer something for everyone nowadays, including many gluten-free and vegan options,” Mackenzie said.
Boho also likes to pay their loyal support forward by giving back to the community.
“Each month since our reopen after the renovation, we have been able to execute a charity of the month in which we raise funds and awareness for various causes local including schools, animal shelters and veterans, among others,” Mackenzie said. “We are so lucky to be able to use our space to make a difference.”
Bohemian Pizza is located at 342 Bantam Road, Litchfield. For information, visit www.bohemianpizza.com/ or call 860-567-3980.