De Lorenzo's Seeking Variances for 4,500 Square-Foot Restaurant

De Lorzeno’s Tomato Pies will need zoning variances as well as conditional use approval to open a 4,500 square-foot restaurant on Newtown-Yardley Road.

Representatives for the business appeared before the Newtown Township Planning Commission Tuesday to present plans for the local restaurant.

De Lorenzo’s has purchased a property on Newtown-Yardley Road, where the former veterinary hospital was located, with the hopes of serving its famous tomato pies in Bucks County. The property is located at 671 Newtown-Yardley Rd, which is in the “Office/Light Industrial” zone.

De Lorenzo’s is seeking permission for an eating place, which is a permitted use by condition in that zoning area.

Planning Commission Chairman Allen Fidler said he is “cautiously supportive” of the proposal but stressed how it could change the complexion of that portion of town.

Fidler said he wants the township supervisors to ultimately decide if they see that change as the right vision for the future of Newtown Township.

De Lorzeno’s will come back before the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Wednesday to discuss the zoning relief requested. The supervisors will then decide if they seek to oppose the application in front of the Zoning Hearing Board.

In addition to conditional use approval, variances for parking and buffers will also be needed to construct a one-story restaurant with 75 off-street parking spaces.

“The township really needs to decide if this use is appropriate for the property,” Fidler said. “If (the supervisors) feel it is conducive to their vision, then I would be comfortable with it. I just want them to be aware of the perceived risks or hazards.” 

De Lorenzo’s tomato pies are famous throughout the region. The pizzeria, which first opened in Trenton in 1947, last year closed its restaurant in the city’s Chambersburg section. 

It currently operates a restaurant in Robbinsville, N.J.