Crust Simply Italian debuts Crust New York Pizzeria concept
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The owners of Crust Simply Italian have announced the opening of two new pizzerias — Crust New York Pizzeria in Tempe and North Central Phoenix. The new concept is a modern neighborhood pizzeria that serves NY-style pizza and other staples like heroes, calzones, pasta and wings.
The Tempe Crust Pizzeria is at 1120 E. Baseline Road in Tempe, taking over the former Artichoke Pizza, according to a press release.
The 2200 square-foot space includes a dining room plus a patio with additional seating, a full bar and easy take-out options, the release states.
The second location at 6031 N. 16 St. in Phoenix also took over a former Artichoke Pizza location and features a 2,400-square-foot space also offers guests the option to dine in or take out.
“We are so excited to open these two new Crust Pizzerias in Tempe and the 16th Street corridor,” said Michael Merendino, owner of Crust Restaurant Group. “The focus at these two restaurants is to serve the families and communities who live, work and play there. The menu features my family’s recipes, and we proudly serve them at an affordable price. We look forward to welcoming guests in and making Crust Pizzeria their new go-to.”
In addition to the hand-tossed pizzas, the menu at both locations will feature a monthly special pizza including combinations like the Manhattan Special, which has meatballs, ricotta cheese, red onion, Calabrian chilis and fresh basil. Guests can expect traditional items like garlic knots, wings, pastas and calzones, as well as hearty sandwiches including a meatball parm, and Italian beef.
Beer, wine and specialty cocktails like an Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini Big Gulp, Strong Island Iced Tea and a Little Italy Black Manhattan are also served.
Mr. Merendino, who is originally from New York, has designed these pizzerias envisioning the warmth of his own large Italian family, crafting a space where each guest is treated like a family member returning home.
