
Gennaro Salzano, owner of Gennaro’s Pizzeria in Hamilton, places a high value on cleanliness. In his first year of owning his restaurant, he has remodeled everything, from the kitchen to the granite tables. And don’t forget about the bathroom.
“I probably have the nicest bathroom out of all the pizzerias,” he said.
Gennaro’s may look good, but Salzano said customers rave about his food, particularly his tomato pies, which he says his customers call the best around. But the menu offers more than pizza.
Salzano, 27, says he offers an upscale dining experience, without the upscale prices. At Gennaro’s, customers can grab a slice and go, but they can also enjoy a real meal.
For now, Gennaro’s seats only 22. But Salzano has plans to expand in the near future.
He has already made additions to his menu over the last month. Seasoned chicken, once a special, and chicken marsala, a popular customer request, is now a menu item.
The two items became so popular with customers that Salzano found himself offering them every day, despite their “special” status.
“When you have it every day it really doesn’t become a special anymore,” he said.
Even if something doesn’t appear on the menu, Salzano will make it. That was the case with the chicken marsala, which neither a menu item nor a special — Salzano just always had the ingredients on hand.
Gennaro’s is Salzano’s first business, after working in restaurants in Chambersburg and Hamilton since 15. The location has been a pizzeria for about a decade, but Salzano has given the restaurant a facelift and expanded the cuisine from just tomato pies.
But the pies are still the pizzeria’s main selling point. The Italiano, made with light mozzerella cheese, goat cheese, figs and prosciutto, baked and topped with arugula, red onions, grape tomatoes and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, is a customer favorite.
“They go nuts for it,” Salzano said.
Some of the recipes are family-inspired. The tripe, a favorite of Salzano’s older customers, is his grandmother’s recipe. Many of the sauces are also family recipes.
Gennaro’s is located at the Shoppes at Hamilton Point, across the street from St. Gregory the Great church, and just inside the Hamilton side of the border with Robbinsville. Salzano estimates that his customer base is split evenly between the two towns. Gennaro’s delivers to all of Robbinsville and most of Hamilton.
Salzano has employed technology to maintain that customer base. If customers text “Gennaros” to 41513, they will receive special discount offers periodically.
“You gotta ride the wave,” Salzano said.
Salzano grew up in Chambersburg but later moved to Hamilton, where he currently lives. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Lawrence in 2000.
Gennaro’s Pizzeria is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information, call (609) 58-PIZZA (74992).
Comments (7)
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Sun, 02/07/2010 - 10:08am - Posted by: Anonymous
The fig pie is "to die for!" My husband had the seasoned chicken. That was awesome as well.....and GREAT prices and service!
Thu, 02/04/2010 - 2:38pm - Posted by: Anonymous
We eat there often. Try the clam pie outstanding!!!!!!! They sometimes have to throw us out
Thu, 02/04/2010 - 2:09pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Very Very Very good. Got to give this place a try. The Italiano pie might be the best ive ever had. Whats better than eating and looking at all the hot waitresses they have. But all kidding aside. The food and pizza are very good.
Thu, 02/04/2010 - 1:57pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Try the Italiano pie, amazing!
Thu, 02/04/2010 - 1:52pm - Posted by: Anonymous
The fig pie is my all time fav!!!! I travel from Burlington County and eat it on the way home b/c I can't wait !
Patrice Loftin
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 5:04pm - Posted by: Anonymous
best pizza in the area, check it out, who says the BIG D is the best
Sat, 01/09/2010 - 7:57pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Just had dinner there this evening. The stuffed mushrooms are outstanding! The service was excellent. We will be back soon!
Dave and Rita