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 20 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.

Since February 2022, there has been a full transition of ownership to Poliana Primo. She explains that there have been some rather large adjustments but she is thankful for the support she has received from the local community. “I am very grateful that customers are still coming,” Primo said.

Franco’s still has the same delicious menu items, with some new additions as well. For those wondering, Marcio did not leave the restaurant and is still showing off his award-winning pizza-spinning talents. The restaurant continues to employ the same staff and cook. They want to emphasize that Franco’s is still the same family it was before. “I am thankful that I still have Marcio and Elizabeth for their support,” Primo said.

Updates and modifications in the restaurant have been added to further improve the space, including digital menu display, ceiling fans, and delightful new lighting. Franco’s is also taking a modernized approach with renovation plans for new food displays and countertops. These adjustments have created an even more comfortable experience that is worth coming back for.

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 lunch specials.

Any pizza can be made with gluten-free dough that is incredibly delicious. The gluten-free dough is made with egg, cheese, and yucca flower. You can benefit from the gluten-free option and still receive a meal with that same amazing taste.

The restaurant’s dining room seats 38 with some outdoor seating as well. Some tables are overlooking the plaza, and others placed beneath pictures taken by Marcio 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 pizza or pasta for the library, school, scouts, sports, or town events.

They measure their success by the number of regulars they have come to know. “We appreciate our customers’ loyalty,” Primo said, “and always welcome new friends.” They value suggestions made at francospizzanewtown@gmail.com. Engage in weekly Instagram polls to provide Franco’s with tips and opinions based on personal preference.

“We would like to find out what makes getting lunch or dinner an experience worth coming back for,” Primo said.

The full menu, takeout prices, and other information about the restaurant can be seen on Franco’s website, francospizzanewtown.com. Like Franco’s Pizza on Facebook and follow them on Instagram, @francospizzanewtown, for consistent updates on food specials and community engagement. Orders may be placed on the website, as well, or through Grubhub. Delivery is available within a five-mile radius. There is a $20 minimum order for delivery and a $2.20 delivery charge.

New items have been added to the menu recently. Aiming for diversity, the restaurant has introduced some new pizzas and healthy dishes. “We want our menu to stand out in Newtown by adding new food and keep rotating specials,” Primo said. Incorporating Brazilian cuisine, Franco’s has launched three new specialty pizzas inspired by cultural flavors from Brazil.

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, double-dough Sicilian-style, or gluten free dough. There are hand-tossed and specialty pizzas with a variety of gourmet toppings that come in four sizes. For a quick snack, pizza can also be purchased by the slice. There are always fresh garlic knots, too. Monday to Thursday only: two large cheese pizzas for just $26.99 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 the cheese.

Soup: Soups are all made on premise, starting with chicken stock made on-site. 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; buffalo chicken; or 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 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.