Having grown weary of working for restaurant owners, Rafael Mayorga decided about 15 years ago that it was time to go into business for himself. That was when he decided to buy King’s Pizzarama.
“I was tired of working for someone else,” said Rafael regarding his decision to purchase the pizzeria.
Previously, Rafael had worked for about a decade in other pizza restaurants. Mayorga was able to convince his brother, Aldo — who had also worked in pizza places for a number of years, to join the buisness with him.
The brothers came to the United States about 25 years ago from Guatemala, and have been in the pizza business ever since a friend helped them get a job in a restaurant shortly after they arrived here.
Rafael says, the restaurant business isn’t someting that runs in the family. Their parents still live in Guatemala, and don’t have any involvement in the business. The brothers both live in Hamilton with their families. Both are married — Aldo has three children and Rafael has two.
But don’t look for them at to be at home too much. Most of the time they can be found working behind the couter at their business. “We like the work,” Aldo said. “We never take off. We like to work for the customers.”
Rafael said that once King’s got up and running, they developed their own recipe for their pizzas. But don’t ask them to tell—the Mayorgas keep it a closely guarded secret.
The restaurant offers about 15 different choices of pizzas ranging from traditional plain to gourmet to pan pies. Pizza can be ordered by the slice or as whole pies, including their gourmet focaccia pizza and chicken bacon pizza.
In addition to pizzas, King’s also makes wraps, traditional subs, hoagies, stromboli, calzones, pastas, and classic and gourmet Italian dinners. Appetizers, salads and burgers round out their menu.
King’s Pizzarama also offers event catering, featuring party trays of traditional Italian fare for 10 to 20 people. With at least 24 hours’ notice, the brothers can make party 3-foot and 6-foot subs.
King’s Pizzarama features ample parking. Their dining room only has five red and white checked table-clothed tables, seating up to four diners each. Delivery is available all day within Ewing and parts of Lawrence with a minimum order of $10.
King’s Pizzarama, 200 Ewingville Road. Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phone: (609) 882-3042. Fax: (609) 882-5180. Major credit cards are accepted with a $10 minimum.
King’s Pizzarama owners Rafael, left, and Aldo Mayorga, and employee Jesus Beza, in the background, show off their pizzas. (Staff photo by Bill Sanservino.),
