Randazzo’s Pizzeria

At Randazzo’s Pizzeria, it’s not just about the dough. The beloved pizza shop in Warwick Square is like a second home to many, who have been coming to the pizzeria for two decades not just for great wings and delicious pizza, but for the sense of family and community that are present when you walk through the door.

“I’ve been making pizza since I was 12,” said Frank, 48, as he took a brief break from his seemingly endless duties at the shop. The Brooklyn native, and first generation American, grew up in a world where his father and uncles all made pizza. He uses the exact same ingredients –“the best cheeses, olive oil from Italy, the best meats, the best flour ” - and recipes as they did. “My dad taught me everything,” he added.

But, while customers flock to Randazzo’s for the pizza, hoagies, cheesesteaks and wings, they also come for the friendship and the palpable sense of community. All three of Frank’s children work in the restaurant.

“The customers are great,” explained Frank, with a smile. “I sincerely want to know them…to have a personal connection.” And, that he does.

“We’re at a point, where I know their kids’ allergies. One has a peanut allergy, one can’t have any cheese on his garlic knots,” he said, leaning back into the both next to the kitchen, a spot he’s never far away from. His brother Johnny, who has Downs Syndrome, has a spot in the kitchen too, where he’s a favorite part of the team.

Behind him is a wall lined with row upon row of plaques recognizing Randazzo’s commitment to local sports teams and community organizations. Police officers, firefighters and EMS workers are frequent and loyal customers.

In a world of Facebook, Instagram and other social media, Randazzo’s stands apart. “We’re 100 percent word-of-mouth,” said Frank. Without the help of advertising or a website, the restaurant has increased its business every year, even several years ago when York Road was under construction, making it a tremendous challenge to reach the shopping center. And most recently, with Giant Supermarket leaving the center, one would expect business to suffer. But Frank says he is blessed and the customers are still coming in.

To meet his customer’s needs, Frank increased his delivery staff. “Deliveries went through the roof,” he said. He also had plenty of satisfied construction workers and contractors who loved his food while they worked on the years-long road project.

Over his 20 years in business in the shopping plaza, Frank has seen a great deal of change. From the loss of anchor stores such as Blockbuster, Genuardi’s and Giant, to the closing of smaller shops, Randazzo’s has not only weathered it all, the restaurant has thrived, thanks to his devoted clientele.

In part, Frank attributes his longevity to the heartfelt connections with his customers. “We don’t give people a number when we take their order, we take their name.”

While he sits talking, Frank sees a regular walk in. He waves. The teenager walks back, grinning, as he pulls out his iPhone. Deaf and mute, the boy starts texting Frank. “He said, he likes when he can text/talk with me personally and order and show it to his friends.”

Of course, the boy has Frank’s personal number.