Brothers Promise to Stick to Traditional Pies with New Shorewood Pizzeria

If you're a stickler for traditional-style pizza, well Shorewood's newest pizzeria, Salvatore's Pizza, may be the place for you.

Skipping the macaroni, pineapples and anchovies, brothers Joe and Luigi Vella say they will stick to the more traditional toppings like pepperoni and olives, when they open up their new pizza joint at the former Gianelli's location, 2213 E. Capitol Dr., sometime this spring.

The Vellas have owned the bakery, Sciortino's Bakery, located on the corner of Brady and Humboldt in Milwaukee for the past 15 years, offering a wide range of products from traditional pastry to pizza dough. And, it was the rising popularity of their pizza dough that led to the interest in opening the new business Joe said. He added he wants to bring something that he enjoys, to the people of Shorewood — namely quality, traditional pizza.

“We really want to be a part of the community." Joe said. “Offering a product at an affordable price.”

Joe said he considered multiple locations in Milwaukee, but chose Shorewood because he wanted to open a business in a community he is apart of. He lives in the village and his children go to St. Roberts he said.

Their menu will of course offer pizza with more traditional topping such as pepperoni, sausage, and olives. But, Salvatore's will also offer pasta and sandwiches. Pending approval a liquor license, the pizza place will offer beer and wine and customers can either carry-out, have their pizza pie delivered or dine-in, with seating at the restaurant for around 25 people. The Village Board will take up the liquor license at their next meeting, Monday.

The Vellas haven't set prices yet, but said Salvatore's will not be extravagantly expensive. They said they want to keep their focus on being a family-oriented restaurant. Salvatore's will only offer full pizzas, though individual pies and slices are definitely a consideration down the road Joe said.

Joe said he hopes the positive reputation they have gained with Sciortino's, translates into success for Salvatore's.