Maine pizza has never stood still. One decade it was all about blistered crusts and brick ovens; then came fast-casual lines and viral toppings; today, families want great pie with less stress. In this guide, we look at three big shifts shaping the Pine Tree State right now: (1) the boom-and-cooldown of wood-fired and brick-oven concepts, (2) the rise of mobile pizza trucks that bring the party to you, and (3) the return of the classic Family Pizza Restaurant—the place where kids get choices, adults get quality, and the check stays friendly.
Along the way, we’ll show how Brickyard Hollow blends all three: a friendly dining room for family nights, delivery and pickup across multiple towns, and a full Food Truck program for weddings and community events. Ready to plan your next pizza night? Start with our Locations & Menus to find the Brickyard Hollow nearest you.
Trend #1 — Wood-Fired & Brick Ovens: From Surge to Settle
In the 2010s, wood-fired and brick-oven pizza moved from niche to everywhere. Maine diners fell hard for the charred leoparding, thin centers, and super-hot ovens that finish a pie in 90 seconds. You still see that style statewide—often with pared-back toppings, San Marzano tomato sauce, and a short, chef-driven menu.
But the “must-have” glow has cooled. Families weigh the whole night, not just a crust style. Parents need space for strollers and car seats, consistent wait times, and a bill that works for a table of four. If a kid wants plain cheese and the adults want a meat-lovers pie or a salad to share, choice matters more than the fuel type.
What survived from the brick-oven wave? Speed, simplicity, and respect for ingredients. Even when a restaurant isn’t wood-fired, those ideas stuck: shorter cook times, clean toppings, and dough that is crisp outside and tender inside. At Brickyard Hollow, we took the best parts—fast bakes, classic flavors—and paired them with a full menu, kids’ options, and a relaxed room you can settle into.
If you still love the romance of flame, keep it in your rotation. But don’t feel you’re missing out when you choose a family-oriented spot with broader options and friendly pricing. For many households, that choice makes pizza night easier—and more frequent.
(If you’re curious about the style’s staying power, peek at the wood-fired offerings that helped popularize the trend in Maine dining, like the Blaze family of restaurants in Bangor and beyond: Blaze.)
Trend #2 — Mobile Pizza Trucks: Flexibility Is Winning
The second wave is on wheels. From coastal parks to inland fairs, Maine pizza trucks are everywhere—and for good reason. Events want hot food without a full kitchen; couples want a reception that feels like a backyard party; towns love family-friendly nights where neighbors gather under string lights. Mobile pizza brings the oven to you, finishes pies fast, and serves a focused menu that keeps lines moving.
You’ll see independent trucks at breweries, concert greens, farmers’ markets, and private events. In southern Maine, destination food-truck parks and weekly roundups have turned dinner into a stroll-and-sample ritual, with pizza as a natural anchor. For hosts, the math is simple: a compact setup, a small but mighty team, and reliable crowd-pleasers. (Want to browse a mobile pizza + taps concept for inspo? Check out Rustic Taps, a Maine-based mobile bar and pizza operation.) You’ll also find pizza trucks among the rotating vendors at summer food-truck hubs like Congdon’s After Dark in Wells.
Brickyard Hollow leaned into this shift with our Food Truck program—hot pies, craveable starters, and salads for weddings, reunions, team banquets, and company celebrations. Want beverages to match? Our Beer Truck pairs house-brewed lagers, IPAs, and seasonals with the same smooth service, so you get food and drink in one call. If you’re planning an outdoor event, this combo is the easiest way to feed a crowd well without the stress of a tented kitchen.
Thinking about a summer block party or a school fundraiser? Pizza trucks shine when you need speed, simple choices, and predictable costs. They also travel, which means the best local slice can show up right in your neighborhood—still hot, still crisp, and perfect for sharing.
Trend #3 — The Return of the Family Pizza Restaurant
After a decade of novelty, Maine diners are coming back to the classic Family Pizza Restaurant—a place built for real life. Parents want fast, friendly service. Kids want familiar favorites. Friends want a table where they can linger and talk. Everyone wants value.
That’s where Brickyard Hollow plants its flag. Across our locations, the dining rooms are bright and relaxed, the menus are broad, and the experience is predictable in the best way. Share our great appetizers. Split a Mashed Potato & Bacon pie and a Pepperoni pie so every slice hits. Add a Caesar or Greek salad for balance. Gluten-free crust and vegan mozzarella keep the whole crew happy. Adults can enjoy a house beer or build a short flight and take four-packs to go.
The family-first comeback isn’t only about food—it’s about community. Families look for fundraisers, PTO nights, and spaces where teams and clubs feel welcome. Brickyard Hollow hosts Community Nights that share a portion of sales with local groups. When your night out doubles as support for neighbors, pizza night turns into something bigger—and better—for everyone.
Most of all, the classic format scales. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice before a game or settling in with visiting grandparents, a good Family Pizza Restaurant makes the plan simple: come as you are, order what you love, and relax.
Where Brickyard Hollow Fits: Dine-In, Delivery, and Events
Brickyard Hollow blends the speed of modern pizza with the comfort of a neighborhood spot. Want a table and a pint? Choose the location nearest you and claim a booth. Need dinner to appear at your door? Order takeout or delivery at select locations. Planning a big day? Book our Food Truck for hot pies on site and add the Beer Truck for a turnkey bar.
Our brewing team keeps staples steady—clean, classic lagers and IPAs—while rotating seasonal releases. That balance means your favorite pie always has a perfect match on draft or in a four-pack to go. If you like to plan, browse the live Beer List before you visit, collect points with our Loyalty Program, and keep an eye on Community Involvement to catch the next give-back night.
Wherever you join us, you’ll get the same core experience: friendly faces, consistent bakes, and a menu built for sharing. It’s pizza, made easy.
A Quick Guide to Planning Your Next Family Pizza Restaurant Night
- Pick your spot. Use our Locations & Menus page to choose the Brickyard Hollow closest to home—or your weekend plans.
- Pre-order in the app. Time your pickup so it’s fresh when you arrive, or grab a table and order at the counter for speed.
- Build a simple spread. One shareable + two pies + one salad feeds most families of four. Add a kids’ cheese if needed.
- Pair a house beer. Try 1901 Kölsch for crisp and light, Pratt’s Brook Pilsner for floral and herbal, or Trestle IPA for citrus and pine.
- Think ahead. Four-packs travel well for the weekend; crowlers are great for cabins and game nights.
- Do some good. Check our Community Nights and consider hosting a fundraiser for your school, team, or club.
With a little planning, pizza night becomes the week’s easiest win—good food, fair prices, and a room that welcomes everyone.
The Bottom Line
Trends come and go, but the heart of Maine pizza is community: hot pies, easy laughs, and a place you’ll return to. Wood-fired flair had its moment; mobile trucks are thriving; and the classic Family Pizza Restaurant is having a well-earned comeback. Wherever you are in Maine, there’s a Brickyard Hollow ready to make pizza night simple—dine-in, takeout, delivery*, or on wheels for your biggest celebrations.