By Norine Longo
For 30 years, Parkway Pizza and La Fontana Ristorante looked to set a standard for “true Italian cuisine at its best.”
Angelo Polizzi opened Parkway Pizza with his wife, Grace, in 1980.
Grace was born in Italy and moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., where she met Angelo, who was experienced in the restaurant business. They wed and moved to Lawrence, and soon after, started Parkway Pizza in Ewing.
“He taught me everything I know about business and ingredients,” said Grace of her late husband.
Today, Grace works at the eatery with her two sons, John and Sal, and resides in Ewing.
Operating in the area for so long has built up a following of loyal customers who have become like family to the Polizzis.
Customers can expect a friendly atmosphere and good quality foods at reasonable prices, Grace said. She calls the restaurant her home. Throughout its history, Parkway Pizza has served fresh homemade style Italian cuisine, always made with fresh ingredients, Grace said. The pizzeria and restaurant have stayed true to the business’s original recipes, which haven’t changed.
“A lot of people know us and are happy to find that in times when things aren’t so sure or consistent, we are,” she said.
Seeing customers and familiar faces is always the highlight of her day, she said. People make her happy and she tries to do the same for them.
“It’s rewarding to know that others are satisfied or enjoy the food and service,” Grace said.
As part of Parkway Pizza’s love for the community, they have made it a tradition to sponsor local sports teams, particularly soccer and baseball. Hung on the walls of the pizzeria and restaurant, customers can find team photos from each sponsored year.
Polizzi said, customers may be surprised to know that they’re not just a pizza place.
In 1993, Parkway Pizza expanded to include a traditional restaurant portion, which they called La Fontana. Although the pizzeria and restaurant have different names, they are in the same building and operate as one.
“Some people are thrown off by the name,” said Polizzi. “We started out with just pizza and sandwiches and have expanded to offer a much wider variety.”
With a new restaurant came new menu items including customer favorite vodka rigatoni. Other favorites include their Brooklyn pie with fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce, pasta sauces and homemade soups, especially their chicken soup. Grace said Parkway Pizza is the only place in the area that still offers fried calzones. Most places turned to baked calzones.
Parkway Pizza and La Fontana Ristorante are located at 836 Parkway Ave. in Ewing. They offer all-day delivery and catering services and operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (609) 883-0391.
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