Santucci’s is planning a summer opening.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The building is complete and now it’s time to wipe away the construction debris, do a little decorating and fire up the pizza ovens for the much anticipated Santucci’s Original Square Pizza restaurant built at the site of the old Arrow Hardware store in Ventnor’s central business district
According to owner Alicia Santucci Barabuscio, the Santucci’s team is “pretty optimistic” about opening the 8,700-square-foot restaurant, at least for take-out and delivery, sometime in May.
The restaurant will likely get to install an arcade in a small space in the restaurant where children can play games while their parents wait for a table. At their last meeting, city commissioners introduced an ordinance allowing arcades in the commercial district.
“We have children, so we know what it’s like to go out to dinner with them,” Barabuscio said. “Our concept is centered around being a family friendly eatery.”
Barabuscio’s husband Blake, who managed the construction project, grew up in Ventnor and the couple has summered here for years. They plan to make Ventnor a permanent home and their children will be attending the VECC in the fall, she said.
Although the governor has not lifted the coronavirus stay-at-home order, the restaurant could be making its famous “square” pizzas soon, she said.
“This could be a blessing in disguise and give us time to train our kitchen staff and by the time summer comes, we’ll be ready to train the front-of-the-house team,” she said. “We’re adapting and keep moving forward.”
Although there have been delays getting the restaurant open to the public, Barabuscio said she feels blessed that they didn’t have to lay anyone off in any of their locations during the coronavirus shutdown.
When it opens for dining, Santucci’s will be the first restaurant in Ventnor to offer alcoholic drinks by the glass. Although there are many BYOB restaurants in Ventnor, Santucci’s was the first to purchase a liquor consumption license following a 2016 referendum that asked voters to approve serving liquor. The Santucci’s paid $77,100, $2,100 higher than the minimum bid amount, for the license.
The soon-to-open Ventnor Square Theater won the second of three licenses available in the city.
The restaurant will feature a second floor outdoor seating area overlooking Ventnor Avenue.
The restaurant originated on “O” Street in Juniata Park, and now has stores in the Italian Market area of South Philadelphia, North Broad Street, Roxborough and in Ocean City, although they are currently only open for take-out.
When Downbeach.com’s sister publication OCNJDaily.com previewed the Ocean City location shortly after it opened on the boardwalk last June, staff writer Phoebe Prettyman called it a “hidden gem.”
Santucci’s Original Square Pizza was founded by the late Joseph and Philomena Santucci at 10th and Carpenter streets in South Philadelphia. According to the Santucci’s website, the family’s “upside-down” recipe for making pizza in a square pan instead of a round one and with the sauce on top of the cheese instead of on the bottom was unusual at first but it caught on.
“Franchise sales are busy during this time,” she said. “People are taking a second look and re-evaluating their lives. We can offer opportunities at the shore points and other New Jersey areas closer to Philly.”
The Santucci’s team has been caring for those on the front lines of the war against COVID-19 by sending food to doctors and nurses working in the hospitals or those who are in quarantine, she said.
Barabuscio said she has received applications for wait staff, and other opportunities exist for back-of-the-house jobs. In all, they will employ about 30 people at the Ventnor location.
“We need experienced applicants, but we can always bring in staff from other locations to fill in while they are being trained. With all the layoffs due to the coronavirus, we can give people the opportunity to find work,” she said.
Barabuscio said she hopes to start training by the end of April.
Anyone interested in applying can go to the santuccispizza.com website or email alicia@santuccispizza.com.
“Or they can just stop by the store. Someone’s usually there during the day,” she said.
The store is located at 6413 Ventnor Ave.
The old Arrow Hardware site was redeveloped into a Santucci’s Original Square Pizza restaurant. Next door will be a commercial space with two residential units above.
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