The NY Pizza Place owners: Kelley Allen, Elyshia Allen, Khris Susser, and Francesca Perini (courtesy photo)
Upon entering the door at The NY Pizza Place, the first thing that struck my senses was the irresistible, familiar smell of pizza baking in the oven.
On second thought, make that genuine New York-style pizza baking in the oven.
The new business held its grand opening on July 26.
“It was standing room only,” said co-owner Khris Susser, adding, It was bumper to bumper in here.”
The following day, the restaurant was still relatively busy, resembling just what one would expect for a typical Big Apple pizzeria on a Saturday. However, it did not have the just-opened, disorganized feel of a newly-opened business establishment.
One woman was seen leaving the restaurant, pizza box in hand, smiling at the owners and casually remarking, “Looking good.”
Susser points out that his partner and co-owner, Kelley Allen, joined the United States Marine Corps in 1990 and saw combat during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. “This is also a veteran-owned business,” Susser proudly states.
This new Coral Springs location, close to Parkland in the Sawgrass Center, near Publix, is the owners’ second New York-style pizzeria. They opened their first store in Boca Raton’s Mission Bay last August. They aim to open as many as ten pizza shops in South Florida.
Susser says what gives their pizza its genuine, unique New York City taste is the dough. “It’s true New York dough,” he said. “It’s being imported straight from New York.”
Pizza dough is not the only Big Apple import found on the premises. A huge, colorful mural adorns one wall depicting a New York scene highlighted by none other than Lady Liberty herself holding – and about to eat – a slice of New York pizza (it might be pepperoni) with globs of melted cheese dripping down, waiting to be devoured.
The mural is the work of an actual New York City graffiti artist they brought down for his handicraft. “He did it all by hand,” Susser said.
In addition to the ever-famous New York-style cheese pizza, other New York classics are on the menu, including calzones, strombolis, meatballs, pasta dishes, sandwiches, garden-fresh salads, and desserts.
The NY Pizza Place can also be considered a family business. Kelley’s wife, Elyshia Allen, is a New York City native from Staten Island. Susser’s wife, Francesca Perini, speaks three languages: Italian, of course. Both wives assist with cooking and creating recipes. Allen says Elyshia does it all. “She’s the taste tester, he said.
“It’s my recipe for the sauce,” she adds.
NY Pizza Place is located at 5968 Coral Ridge Drive. Call 561-609-2231.
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