Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria, established in Rochester, New York, with more than 30 locations in that state, is branching out to Jacksonville with a franchise in the Tapestry Park area of Deerwood Park North.
The city is reviewing a permit application for Summit Construction Management Group LLC of Orlando to build-out a 1,180-square-foot shop at 4820 Deer Lake W., No. D-11, at an estimated $200,000. The site is in a multitenant center in front of the Aloft Hotel.
Surage & Associates LLC of Ponte Vedra is the architect.
Ferdinand Formoso is the franchise owner.
Salvatore’s posted on social media July 14 it received approval to start renovations.
The menu includes pizza, calzones, subs and wraps, wings and chicken, burgers, fish, dinners, salads and appetizers.
Salvatores.com says all of its locations are locally owned. The corporate headquarters are in Webster, New York, near Rochester.
It was started in 1978 when Eastridge High School student Salvatore “SoccerSam” Fantauzzo opened the first Salvatore’s Pizza at 1985 E. Main St. in Rochester at the age of 17. “The Home Economics project became reality on July 5, 1978.”
Today there are 30 full menu locations that are all owner-operated, plus outlets, the site says.
It says that Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria has its “Famous Full Menu, casual dine-in, take-out and delivery, giant TVs and patios.”
Some Salvatore’s locations can offer Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips.
The Salvatore’s site shows 33 locations, including two of its Donuts Delite format.
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported Feb. 2 that Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria will expand south, opening its first restaurant in Jacksonville this year.
“The new location will be run by Fairport native and physician Ferdinand Formoso, who was chosen from multiple candidates due to his credentials,” the news site, democratandchronicle.com, said.
It said Fantauzzo, CEO of the pizzeria, said Formoso “is a perfectionist and that he knows the brand is in good hands”
In a statement to the news site, Formoso expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand the restaurant and bring its food to Florida.
“I am honored beyond words that Sam and his team have accepted me into the Salvatore’s family,” he said.
The news site said the connection between Salvatore’s and the Formoso family runs deep. Formoso’s aunt and uncle have been friends with Fantauzzo for many years.
It said the Jacksonville store is expected to open July 5 to commemorate the restaurant’s 45th anniversary.
Fantauzzo said on the restaurant's Facebook page July 14 that there were delays with permits with the Jacksonville restaurant but now he's "ready to go" and hopes the Jacksonville restaurant would open before Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11.
Ferdinand and Elisa Formoso, who have a Jacksonville home, filed Salvatores Tapestry Park LLC with the state Sept. 29, 2022.