Rumors of its beehives are greatly exaggerated.
Roberta’s, that posh pizzeria in industrial Williamsburg, got local news outlets buzzing yesterday with claims that the bees from its new hives were swarming area sidewalks, but pizzaiolos there say the airborne residents are nothing to be afraid of.
A supposed neighbor of Roberta’s Pizza e-mailed news website Gothamist to report the insects were “terrorizing” Moore Street every night, swarming lights and landing on sidewalks, making them “like a bee minefield.” Our inquiries to locals turned up no such encounters and the proprietors of the storied pie palace said its bees may stray, but they are not out to sting.
“Bees are free-range. They forage in nectar and pollen for up to three miles,” said Roberta’s spokeswoman Tara Blazona. “They are not interested in graffiti, beards, or ironic t-shirts.”
The restaurant has raised the honey-manufacturers for five years and recently installed two new hives, Blazona said.
One area resident insisted that the stinger-equipped horde plying the skies around her house has not affected her in the least.
“I have not seen any,” said Mary O’Conner. “I am going to continue to walk freely around here. I am really not afraid of any bees attacking me.”
