Santucci’s Philly

A household name in Philadelphia, Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, has arrived in Cumberland County.

The restaurant known for square pizza opened today at 5235 Simpson Ferry Road in Hampden Township. It’s the chain’s first location outside of its core Philadelphia and New Jersey market, and the first with a drive-thru window.

Franchise owners DJ and Stacey Fox are responsible for introducing Santucci’s to central Pa. The Philadelphia transplants renovated a former Wendy’s, adding touches such as the City of Brotherly Love skyline and a neon “It’s hip to be square” sign.

The Foxes have franchise rights to open two more Santucci’s outposts in the region.

“They always thought this was a brand that would work here in their community,” said Alicia Santucci, third-generation family member.

Her grandparents, the late Joseph and Philomena Santucci, opened the first Santucci’s in Juniata Park in Northeast Philadelphia in 1959. Today, the family, including Alicia’s brothers, Frank Jr. and Anthony, oversee eight locations and are growing the business with additional franchises.

In fact, franchise owners are requesting to open the restaurants in other parts of the country including Arizona and Florida, she said.

The chain is revered as one of the best in the Philadelphia region, and draws lines out the door. One publication referred to Santucci’s as one of Philadelphia’s “royal families of pie,” and the brand was inducted into the Pizza Hall of Fame.

At the heart of the menu is the pizza, which Alicia Santucci said is different from standard pizza shop pies.

For one, the pizzas are square-shape and baked on trays. Secondly, in the traditional Sicilian style, Santucci’s slathers homemade tomato sauce on top of cheese. The family has used the same recipe since opening 64 years ago.

Several pizza options are available, including mix-and-match toppings and specialty pies such as The Works, Veggie Works, margherita and BBQ or buffalo chicken. Santucci’s also sells wings, stromboli, sandwiches and salads. Items such as wing sauces and salad dressings are made from scratch.

Alicia Santucci said the chain aims to create a welcoming family atmosphere and makes a point to be a part of the community by supporting sports teams and school groups.

The restaurant is BYOB and also offers catering and fundraising opportunities. It’s open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., daily.

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