The son of Franco-American parents, Bob was born and has lived in Biddeford his entire life.

Bob started working at the iconic Alex Pizza as a teenager. While everyone else was attending the popular football games, Bob was working at the Pizza House getting ready to feed the crowds who would come after the game. He was part of the business as it initially grew. After Alex Pizza was fully established, Alex preferred to “live” vs having more ambitious plans to expand. Bob’s dedication provided the “hands on” hard work and expertise that provided the backbone to assure continuity for over 50 years. Bob shares his perspective of why Alex Pizza has been THE pizza place in the greater Biddeford area.

This interview captures Bob’s appreciation for the work ethic he learned from his parents and his passion for giving the employees and customers of Alex Pizza the best possible experience.

ROBERT "BOB" COTE

INTERVIEW DETAILS

Date of Interview: May 16, 2022

Location: Cote residence, Biddeford, Maine

Interviewer: Tom Girard

Transcriber: Nicole Morin-Scribner

LINK TO INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

PICTURES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Raised on a small family working farm on the Pool Road, his experiences were different than many of his contemporaries who were raised closer to the center of Biddeford
His father, a disabled vet, was a trusted milkman. Many of the businesses he delivered to gave him the store keys to make his early morning deliveries. He would also sell produce from their small family farm to his retail customers.
How his mother supported the family of 7 kids after the sudden death of her husband at the age of 46
Experiences in parochial school at both St. Andre’s Grammar School and St. Louis High School
Memories of downtown Biddeford from the late 1940s through the 1960s
Getting “baggies” from Reilly’s Bakery
The story of how he met his wife of 57 years
How Alex Mantis developed and perfected his famous pizza sauce and initial strategies to grow the business
Helping transition the business to Alex’s brother, Andy Mantis, upon his retirement.
A familiar face to all who regularly frequent Alex Pizza in Biddeford where he worked for 52 years, Bob shares stories of the famous Pizza house