Hall of Fame guest helps open Anthony's

New England is known for its praise of and adoration for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, but last Thursday it was a different legendary signal-caller that had Garden City hustling and bustling.

Part-owner of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Hall of Famer Dan Marino stopped by the newest location for the official ribbon cutting and took a few hours to take pictures with fans and sign autographs.

It turned out to be a surreal experience for several local Dolphins fans.

“A childhood dream come true,” Blake Simpson, who had his Dolphins flag signed by Marino, said. “I didn’t even know what to say. It was a pleasure meeting him. I got to shake his hand. Growing up in New England as a Dolphins fan isn’t the easiest, so it was just great to meet your childhood superstar.”

No. 13 has his stamp all over the restaurant, which is adorned with some photos of his playing days as well as dishes inspired by Marino. Eggplant Marino is prominently featured, while a pot of 13 meatballs going for just under $30 is seen right near the top of the menu. Anyone daring enough to take on that challenge gets to bring the pot home.

Michael Shanley, 29, wasn’t focused much on the food options, though. He was simply awestruck by Marino’s presence in Cranston.

“It’s kind of head-aching, but once you love the team, you love the team,” Shanley said about growing up a Miami fan in New England. “He’s the man that made us love the Dolphins, and we stick to the team. I’m shaking. It’s outrageous.”

Jimmy Campanini, 33 years old of East Greenwich, had a special keepsake with him. It was a set of figurines from 1998, shortly before Marino retired, that he was given a few months ago. The left figurine showed Marino in his Dolphins uniform, while the one on the right depicted him in the University of Pittsburgh colors he wore in college.

Campanini described meeting Marino as an “out-of-body experience.”

“I was born in Hollywood, Florida, about a half-hour from the stadium, so that’s where I get it from,” Campanini said. “I know nothing else. It’s fantastic. [He’s] just the coolest guy ever. There’s no words. He’s just like anybody else. Just a regular Joe.”

Even passionate New England fan and Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung was a bit starstruck, even though he said his favorite quarterback of Marino’s time was former Patriot Steve Grogan.

“The bottom line is it’s nice to have Dan up here for the opening,” Mayor Fung said. “This is very exciting to have Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. I tried it myself and loved the pizza and particularly their wings. I will definitely be back, but it really is exciting to see so many people in the community here coming not only for the food, but to enjoy themselves.”