NORWAY — When somebody runs a pizza restaurant in a small town for 30 years, people know when something changes.

When a burned-out Chris Farrar suddenly closed Ari’s Pizza and Subs at 457 Main St. in the summer of 2016, customers revolted. Farrar prayed, reportedly talked to his pastor and reopened a week or so later, with reduced hours.

Farrar sold the business in 2022 and new owners took over what is now Norway Pizza XChange for only the third time since 1987.

Alicia Plummer and her boyfriend, John Avola, quietly took over ownership in August 2025, purchasing the building and the business, along with some silent partners.

Plummer worked there when it was Ari’s, then NPX (for Norway Pizza XChange), and is a familiar, friendly face for customers.

Plummer says it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in a small town like Norway, so they wanted to make sure they had everything running smoothly before announcing their ownership. So smooth, some customers didn’t even notice the change.

Avola, who is an electrician by day, met his now partner at Norway Pizza XChange. “I think we both have a lot of experience and a lot of passion for hospitality,” Avola said. “I think we wanted to create a place where families could come and enjoy a nice meal.”

Growing up in an Italian American household, Avola has worked in the hospitality business for years. It’s something that gets in your blood. Plummer has worked in restaurants since she was a teenager.

“I feel like that’s something that we really want to bring here,” Avola said Tuesday. “Enjoy yourself, have a good time. Enjoy the food.”

There is a decidedly Italian bent to the new owners, quite a change from the decades of Greek-style pizza and subs.

The sauces and pizza dough are made in-house, and kept simple Plummer said. “We let the tomatoes do all the work.”

The sourdough crust is made with imported Italian “00” flour with no commercial yeast for more depth of flavor and easier digestion. The couple emphasize that they use high-quality cheese, also shredded in-house.

The brick ovens turn out a New York-style pizza locals have grown to expect over the years. There have been some small changes to the menu, such as adding pasta dishes. There are fresh salads, subs and paninis and a few dessert offerings.

The owners have plans to spruce up the covered deck to make it more inviting, while plans for an existing small outbuilding is focused on kids, with arcade games and a place to play.

There is plenty of parking with two lots, in addition to spaces on Main Street. The restaurant has seating for 52, with a mini market inside, selling mostly beer and wine, which is also available for consumption.

Hours of operation remain Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The shop has a Facebook page and is also on Instagram.

Plummer and Avola say their first nine months have been good, and they are excited to see what the future holds.

When Avola told his Italian American family in Boston they bought Norway Pizza XChange the reaction was kind of expected.

“Well, my parents owned a restaurant when I was younger,” he said.” Of course, they said it was a terrible idea, you know?”

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