Mill Tavern Pizza: A Local Legacy Reignited in Millville

May 9, 2025

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If you ask around Millville or just over the town line in Blackstone, one name comes up again and again when people talk about great local pizza: Mill Tavern Pizza.

After a break that left a pizza-shaped hole in the hearts of many, this beloved spot is back—and better than ever. We first covered their return here, but now we’ve had the chance to go deeper with owner Bobby Marks, who generously shared the story behind Mill Tavern’s history, its recent reopening, and what keeps people coming back.

A Story That Starts with Family—and Passion

Mill Tavern Pizza didn’t start from scratch. It grew out of the old J & M’s Pizza, owned by Bobby’s cousin Michael Duffy. Bobby, who had already worked at the location and honed his skills at well-loved pizzerias like Hercules Pizza in North Smithfield and Mezza Luna in Woonsocket, saw an opportunity when J & M’s closed due to a fire suppression issue.

“By 2012, when we opened Mill Tavern, I had already been working on location at J&M’s for three years and had about seven years of experience in restaurants. It was a natural fit,” said Bobby.

Why They Stepped Away—and Why They Came Back

After 15 years of working seven days a week and being open nearly year-round, Bobby stepped away to focus on his family.

“My children were 9 and 11 and I felt the work-life balance wasn’t balanced,” he said. But time away only reignited his passion. “I had devoted most of my adult life to the pizzeria and have a newfound appreciation for everything the business brings to both myself and the community. It’s my magnum opus. I love Mill Tavern.”

This time, he’s prioritizing a more sustainable rhythm. Mill Tavern is now closed on Mondays—“It’s nice to have a day off each week,” Bobby added with a smile.

What Makes Mill Tavern Pizza Stand Out?

Mill Tavern has built a loyal following on one simple principle: quality over shortcuts.

“We won’t put anything average on the menu. Every item has been chosen to reflect quality rather than price,” Bobby said. “A few dollars saved in food costs is never worth an inferior product.”

Favorites include:

Homestyle chicken tenders – hand-battered, never frozen, and wildly popular
Steak and cheese sandwiches – stacked high with shaved steak and fresh veggies
Boom Boom sauce – an instant fan favorite on just about anything
And of course, classic pizzas cooked to perfection in their original 1978 Blodgett deck oven

More Than a Business—It’s a Community Pillar

Bobby and his team aren’t just here to serve food—they’re here to serve the community.

“We pride ourselves on community service. Whenever the opportunity arises to serve our local non-profits, schools, and other community organizations, we always provide competitive pricing and are willing to work outside of normal business hours,” said Bobby.

With over 80 years of combined experience among the team, they’re more than employees—they’re skilled professionals who bring their best every day, whether it’s in the kitchen or out front greeting guests.

Welcomed with Open Arms

Since reopening, Mill Tavern Pizza has been overwhelmed—in the best way—by support from both Millville and Blackstone residents.

“The most rewarding part of being back has been the overwhelming support of the community,” Bobby told us. “We’ve had a lot of people just come in to shake hands and say they appreciate that we’re back. We’re all truly humbled.”

While there’s nothing “new” on the horizon, that’s kind of the point. “We haven’t skipped a beat,” Bobby said. “We’re just back to making the best pizza in the Blackstone Valley.”

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