Owners of Crust Simply Italian Open New Pizzeria In The Upper Middle

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 Phoenix location at 6031 N. 16 Street in Phoenix also took over a former Artichoke Pizza. This newly renovated, 2400 square-foot space also offers guests the option to dine in or take out. Enjoy the secluded patio or a quick slice at the bar.

The Tempe Crust Pizzeria is located at 1120 E. Baseline Rd. in Tempe and took over the former Artichoke Pizza. The 2200 square-foot space includes a dining room plus a patio with additional seating, a full bar and easy take-out options.

“We are so excited to open these two new Crust Pizzerias in Tempe and the 16^th 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 tantalizing combinations like the Manhattan Special that 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. A menu of daily specials includes two slices and a drink for $8.50, a slice, salad and drink for $8.50, $6 glasses of wine until 6 p.m., a whole pizza and wings for $25 and a family meal consisting of a whole pizza, wings, garlic knots, salad and two cookies for $45.

These family-friendly locations also offer an extensive catering menu – perfect for feeding the team after game night, reunions, office lunches and other group gatherings.

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.

Both locations will be open daily from 11 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit www.crustpizzaplace.com