Bluffton restaurant wanted a quiet opening. Pizza lovers on social media changed that
In an unassuming shopping center storefront, La Pizzeria started turning out scratch-made pizzas in Bluffton last month. But after positive reviews spread on social media, the restaurant went from soft opening to slammed in a heartbeat.
“It’s been quite a wild first month, for sure,” said manager Matt Sancinella.
Work started in January on the space that previously was home to Subway in Hilton Head Village, the shopping center next to Tanger Outlets 2 that’s also home to Old Navy and Marshall’s.
The area that Subway used for making sandwiches was transformed into a bar with counter seating. Once-plain walls were covered with murals. New tables were added both indoors and outside.
La Pizzeria owner Alon Mintz of Hilton Head said he and his business partner Amir Bitton saw the potential in the 2,000-square-foot space and had been waiting for it to become available.
“It’s a very nice atmosphere,” Mintz said of the changes they’ve made. “We added a bunch of TVs, a new kitchen and just improved the entire thing.”
And even without doing a major advertising push, customer numbers are steadily growing.
“People just love the pizza,” Mintz said.
That can be credited to chef Younes Hemamou and his original Italian recipes.
Mintz and Bitton are no strangers to business in southern Beaufort County. They also own the Harbour Town General Store, Island Republic locations on Hilton Head and in Bluffton, Treasure Island and Neptune’s Niche at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, and Island Tattoo Co. on Arrow Road.
La Pizzeria already offers online ordering, but plans also are being put in place to offer delivery through Door Dash in the near future.
“We want to make sure the staff is ready,” Mintz said, “just to make sure we are serving the people right.”
Over the next few weeks, plans also include adding a happy hour. The restaurant serves an array of beer and wine but no hard liquor.
The menu
Sancinella said La Pizzeria’s Brooklyn Style Margherita Pizza, a square pie with freshly crushed San Marzano tomatoes, has been a popular choice, as has been the Nonna Pizza with meatballs, mozzarella and ricotta.
The 17 choices of pizzas with nearly three dozen customizable toppings range from $11 for a medium cheese pizza to $24 for an extra-large supreme. Gluten-free crust is available.
The menu also includes classic pasta dishes such as Fettuccini Alfredo ($13.95) and Chicken Parmigiana ($15.95) plus an assortment of salads, subs, calzones and paninis.
Lunch specials offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. include two large slices of cheese pizza plus a drink for $6.99 or a portion of pasta for $7.99.
If you go
What: La Pizzeria
Where: 1460 Fording Island Road in Bluffton (between Old Navy and Marshall’s)
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 843-757-4444
Website: lapizzeriahhi.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Lapizzeria-100244318876842
