Heart-shaped candy and cookies move over — pizza in the shape of the Valentine’s Day symbol of love can be presented to that certain someone today, thanks to a local business that has been thinking outside of the pizza box, so to speak.

The uniquely shaped pizzas will be the order of business today, along with standard fare, when the Slice of the 80s restaurant on Congress Street in Bradford sells the baked pies to those who may not know what to purchase for their beloved, or want to add to their gifts.

Restaurant manager Jessica Burkett said she and another employee recently came up with the culinary design for pizza after doing a little bit of research on Facebook.

“This is my first year as manager and we just came up with the idea the other day,” she commented. ““What we have said is, ‘Pizza and wings are good any day of the week, but what better way to show love than a heart-shaped pizza.’”  

Burkett said she and other employees, who include assistant manager Britt Chapman, practiced on making the specially-designed pizzas during a “heart competition” for the best shaped pies. While one of the employee’s designs wasn’t perfect on the first try, they expect today’s pizzas will warm the hearts of customers.

Burkett’s relatives, who were at the restaurant Wednesday, said they also thought the Valentine pizzas were a good idea.

Burkett’s mother, Juanita, said that while she likes the idea, she noted she didn’t have a sweetheart to give one of the pizzas to.

“I just have dad at home,” she admitted.

Burkett said the pizzas can be cut for the customers to take home, if desired, and will retain their heart shape.

“The (sizes of) cuts are a little wonky, but it’s still a pizza,” Burkett concluded with a laugh.