HOLMES BEACH – Nobody is quite sure if being two blocks from the beach makes pizza taste better, but the owners of Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinderz say it’s good for the soul if nothing else.
While new to AMI, Pizzano’s has been established in Florida for decades, with the first location opening more than 30 years ago in Orlando. Born in Sicily and raised in Michigan, owner Sam Marhi has been connected to AMI long before he opened his restaurant here.
“My family’s vacationed down here for lots of years,” Marhi said. “We always said if the opportunity came up on the Island, we’d love to do a pizza place here. Over the years, not too much became available that fit what we were looking for, then we got lucky enough and this spot came open.”
The spot Marhi speaks of is 5318 Marina Drive in a popular shopping plaza that has ample foot traffic and is highly visible. There are now 11 Pizzano’s; the first nine locations are all in the Orlando area and are still very successful, with the 10th being their Bradenton location.
However, it was number 11 that made Marhi and his wife, Missy, relocate to Anna Maria Island and make it their permanent home. Like so many others, they just want to work hard and live the “Island life.”
Sam and Missy work open to close just about every day in their new location, but always have a smile on their face because they feel fortunate to be in their dream location. The couple met nearly 30 years ago when Sam had just opened his first Pizzano’s and Missy was a customer. A saucy romance began, and the couple has been together, feeding the public ever since.
When asked what the secret to their success has been, Marhi says it’s his attention to the details he says many pizza restaurants no longer do.
“We still do things old school,” Marhi said. “I still make all my pizza dough in-house, and I still make all of our pizza sauces and other sauces in-house. We don’t buy anything frozen or anything pre-made. It makes a big difference, and a lot of places don’t do that anymore, especially out here on the Island.”
Pizzano’s has a large menu that offers something for everybody. While the traditional pizza is very popular, they also do a Detroit-style Sicilian pizza, wings, subs, various breads and garlic knots, salads, pastas, desserts and grinderz. It should be noted for those from the Northeast that in Michigan, a grinder is similar to a calzone, not another name for a “sub” or “hero” sandwich. Marhi admits there is sometimes confusion due to the origin of the customer, but they’re “keeping it Michigan.” “A new item we’ve introduced here on the Island is a gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust and we have a dairy-free plant-based cheese option too,” Marhi said. “We’re also in the process of adding some gluten-free pasta to the menu as well.”
Anyone visiting Pizzano’s will be greeted by a friendly staff that seems genuinely happy to see them walk through the door. Many customers have become friends of the staff and a great deal are already on a first-name basis. Pizzano’s is open seven days a week with both carry-out and delivery available during all business hours: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
To place an order, call 941- 778-3663 (FOOD) or order online. During the busy spring season, delivery and carryout times may be longer than at other times of the year.
