By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Jun 20, 2023 at 1:01 PM

There’s something new to enjoy at Ballpark Commons, 7044 S. Ballpark Dr. in Franklin.

Brick Pizzeria & Ristorante opens today, June 20, bringing brick-oven pizza and more to the sports entertainment complex that features Luxe Gold Bays, Hinterhof, the Dog Haus Biergarten, Franklin Field, the Umbrella Bar and six replicas of major league baseball fields.

 Ballpark Commons marks the second location for Brick, a concept launched by Pizzaiolo Leopoldo Deusis in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2016. Inspired by summers in Campania, Italy, the restaurant features a menu showcasing both Neo-Neapolitan-style pizza and a variety of dishes from Southern Italy.

“Brick is our hometown connection to a little taste of Italy from the hand-built, brick ovens to imported tomatoes and flour,” noted Demusis. “We will do our best to maintain the integrity and vibe of southern Italy.”

Meatballs in Brick bread bowl
Meatballs in Brick bread bowl
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Guests can enjoy starters like bruschetta ($13); mussels steamed in white wine, tomatoes and garlic butter ($18); and classic Italian meatballs and San Marzano tomato sauce served in a signature Brick bread bowl ($16), plus a selection of salads and sandwiches.

On the pizza front, Brick’s signature pie is its Margherita featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil; but guests can also choose from a variety of options, priced in the $15-$17 range, including the Diavola (San Marzano red sauce, fresh mozzarella, spicy sausage, pepperoni, spicy cherry peppers) ; Corna (Garlic oil, spinach, sun dried tomato, goat cheese and fresh mozzarella) and Bianco (White wine garlic sauce, fresh mozzarella, potatoes, charred leeks). 

Guests can also enjoy fresh pastas including bolognese with pappardelle pasta ($22); and Pasta con  Vongola featuring fettuccini, littleneck clams, sausage, tomatoes, parsley and lemon ($24). Brick also features a classic Italian wine list and a Chef’s Table dining experience for groups of six to ten.

“My family and I looked forward to visiting Brick as a ‘must do’ on every annual Steamboat trip,” said Mike Zimmerman, CEO of ROC Ventures, developer of the Ballpark Commons and owner of the Milwaukee Milkmen. “We’re beyond thrilled to have such an amazing and authentic Italian eatery right here in Franklin.”

Brick Pizzeria & Ristorante’s hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Ballpark Commons campus delivery will be available. Online ordering and more information can be found at brickbpc.com.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.