Step into Franco’s Pizza and Pasta at Sand Hill Plaza in Newtown and be greeted not only by the mouthwatering aroma of homemade sauce and pizzas hot from the oven, but also by the sincere hospitality of the staff, many of whom are local young people.

Franco’s was founded 17 years ago by husband and wife Marcio “Santo” Dos Santos and Elizabeth Siemon, whose priority has always been to serve great food at affordable prices in a cozy atmosphere.

While Siemon recently announced that she is stepping down as a partner, she appreciates everyone who has embraced her as she achieved the American dream, and she will continue to be a familiar face helping out in the restaurant.

“I came to this country 25 years ago and have been so happy here. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to work and live in this wonderful community that helped make my dreams come true,” she said.

Siemon is looking forward to Franco’s bright future with new partner Poliana Primo, who is anticipated to start this month.

“Unfortunately, my health does not permit me to continue, and I want to give [the] opportunity for this young mother of two girls to accomplish her dream,” Siemon said.

Franco’s will continue to offer its pizza in three sizes for takeout or delivery, with fresh dough from the kitchen. Look for “pie in the sky” as dos Santos shows off his award-winning pizza spinning talents before sliding the pie into the oven.

Pizza is just the beginning of edible delights at Franco’s. They recognize that when kids want pizza, their parents would often prefer a “real meal,” and they can accommodate both preferences. The full menu offers pasta, seafood, calzones, grinders, and more, as well as weekly dinner specials.

The restaurant’s dining room seats 38; unfortunately, dine-in is not available at the moment. Some tables are overlooking the plaza, others placed beneath pictures taken by dos Santos on his trips to Italy.

Franco’s is pleased to reciprocate the patronage of their customers by supporting numerous activities in town. It is not uncommon to find that Franco’s has donated the pizza or pasta for library, school, Scout, sports, or town events.

They measure their success by the number of regulars they have come to know. “We appreciate our customers’ loyalty,” Santo said, “and always welcome new friends.” They value suggestions made at francospizzanewtown@gmail.com.

The full menu, takeout prices, and other information about the restaurant can be seen on Franco’s website, francospizzanewtown.com, or like them on Facebook. Orders may be placed at the website, as well, or through their app. Delivery is available within a five-mile radius. There is a $20 minimum order for delivery and a $2 delivery charge.

Catering is available for all occasions, public and private, at very affordable prices.

A Sample Of The Menu

Pizza: Choose New York-style thin crust or double-dough Sicilian-style. There are hand-tossed and specialty pizzas with a variety of gourmet toppings that come in three sizes. For a quick snack, pizza can also be purchased by the slice. Monday and Tuesday only: two large cheese pizzas for just $20.99 plus tax.

Appetizers: A plate heaped high with crisp fried calamari and served with Franco’s own marinara sauce is a favorite start to the meal. There is also bruschetta and garlic bread, with or without cheese.

Soup: Soups are all made on premises, starting with chicken stock made onsite. The stracciatella is a spinach and egg drop soup, served with freshly baked bread.

Salads: Nine salads can be ordered as is or can be turned into a meal with the addition of grilled or Cajun chicken, salmon, or shrimp.

Entrees: There are nearly a dozen selections, including the chicken or veal Francese in a lemon butter sauce.

Pasta: Linguini Pele (grilled chicken, garlic, onions, and spinach in a parmesan lemon sauce) and penne vodka (in a pink vodka sauce of tomatoes and cream) are among the 12 pasta dishes on the menu.

Seafood: There are about half a dozen seafood specialties, including The Works seafood linguini, consisting of calamari, shrimp, mussels, and clams in a marinara sauce; or try shrimp fra diavolo if tongue-tingling spiciness is what you favor.

Paninis: The Amalfi panini with grilled chicken, bacon, roasted red peppers, cheese, spinach, and pesto mayo is a bestseller.

Wraps: Create your own wrap or choose one of the suggestions: the Franco, grilled chicken and veggie; the Botsford, the buffalo chicken; or the chicken caesar.

Grinders: The sausage, pepper, and onion with tomato sauce and melted cheese is a classic 12-inch grinder choice.

Burgers: The Newtown burger is a bacon cheeseburger with fried onion rings, BBQ sauce, lettuce, and tomato.

Calzones: Also with a local name is the Sandy Hook calzone, which comes with grilled chicken, sausage, onions, ricotta, and mozzarella.

Kid’s Menu: Children will love the mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and spaghetti or penne options.

Desserts: Franco’s now has ready-made ice cream. Also be sure to try the homemade fried banana dessert.

Franco’s does not have a liquor license, but when dine-in is available again, guests are welcome to bring their own beer and wine.

Franco’s Pizza and Pasta is at 228 South Main Street in Sand Hill Plaza. It is open Monday through Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm. Call 203-270-3548 for takeout or visit francospizzanewtown.com.