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, 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,” she 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 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.

New updates for the restaurant are currently in the works. They plan on updating the menu display, new lighting, improved counter space, and other atmosphere improvements. These adjustments will create an even more comfortable experience that will be 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 dinner specials.

The restaurant’s dining room seats 38 and dine-in is now available. Some tables are overlooking the plaza, while others are 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 the pizza or pasta for the library, school, scout, sports, or town events. Their latest donation to the Masuk High School Robotics Club is coming up at the end of the month.

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. You can also take their online survey found in the restaurant or Instagram bio.

“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 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 $2.20 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 these 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; 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.