Black Cat Pizzeria in St. John’s, Newfoundland, is a notable establishment that has evolved from a series of pop-up events to a permanent location. The pizzeria was founded by Albin Jose Toms, an engineer-turned-restaurateur originally from Kerala, India.

Toms moved to Newfoundland to study engineering at Memorial University, where he developed a passion for pizza while working at a local pizzeria. This passion led him to start making pizzas for friends, which quickly turned into a business as demand for his pizzas grew.

Initially, Black Cat Pizzeria operated as a pop-up, utilizing various locations around St. John’s to sell its distinctive sourdough pizzas. These pizzas became a local food trend, often selling out within minutes of being posted on social media. 

The pop-up model allowed Toms to refine his product and build a following without the immediate need for a permanent space. However, the goal was always to establish a more stable location.

In March 2024, Toms achieved this goal by opening a permanent location at 13 LeMarchant Road. The new venue features a dining area decorated with a mural by local artist Nes, depicting iconic local scenes and Toms’ rescue cat, Nosferatu (Nos), who also inspired the pizzeria’s name and logo.

The pizzeria specializes in Detroit-style sourdough pizza, known for its thicker, airy crust. With the new space, Toms plans to expand the menu to include new pizza combinations and other sourdough-based foods.The transition from pop-up to a permanent location marks a significant milestone for Black Cat Pizzeria, reflecting both community support and Toms’ dedication to his craft. 

I for one love the pizza, it’s been had at so many family events now. Anyone who has hot honey for pizza is a winner in my book!