Step into Franco’s Pizza and Pasta at the Sand Hill Plaza in Newtown and be greeted not only by the mouth-watering aroma of homemade sauce and pizzas hot from the oven, but the sincere hospitality of the staff, many of whom are local young people, as well as wife and husband team Elizabeth Siemon and Marcio “Santo” Dos Santos and their young daughter, Sophia. They are dedicated to serving great food at great prices in a cozy atmosphere, they said, and have been serving it all up with a smile for 16 years come this October.

Franco’s dining room seats 38, with some tables overlooking the busy plaza, others placed beneath pictures taken by Santo on his trips to Italy.

Franco’s pizza comes in three sizes for eat-in, takeout, or delivery and are always made of fresh dough from the kitchen. Look for pie in the sky as Santo 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. Santo and Elizabeth recognize that when kids want pizza, their parents would often prefer a “real meal,” and they can accommodate both preferences. A full menu offers pasta, seafood, calzones, grinders, and more, as well as weekly dinner specials.

Crayons and paper plates are provided to the younger guests for drawing, with the resulting artwork displayed all along the pizza counter, a nod to the family-oriented atmosphere at Franco’s.

Santo and Elizabeth are 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@yahoo.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. 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 $19.95 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.

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 to-go or can be turned into a meal at the restaurant with the addition of grilled or Cajun chicken, salmon, or shrimp.

Dinner 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 (“pink” vodka sauce of tomatoes and cream) are among the 12 pasta dishes on the menu.

Seafood: There are about half-dozen seafood specialties, including The Works Seafood, 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 five suggestions: the Franco, Grilled Chicken & Veggie, the Botsford, 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 that comes with grilled chicken, sausage, onions, ricotta, and mozzarella.

Kid’s Menu: Children will love the mac & 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 guests are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.

Franco’s Pizza and Pasta — dine-in, takeout, or delivery — is at 228 South Main Street in Sand Hill Plaza and is open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; and Sunday, noon to 9 pm. Call 203-270-3548 for takeout or visit francospizzanewtown.com.