BETHLEHEM After six years in the Bethlehem pizza game, Romo’s Pizzeria in Glenmont will expand to include a sit-down restaurant next week.
While the pizza parlor appeal of its existing to-go side will remain unchanged, the new restaurant has a completely different feel and a more upscale menu.
Featured in the new restaurant will be Romo’s classic recipe, Sicilian, Chicago deep dish, Neopolitan and artisanal style pizzas, using ingredients sourced from across the country, while the to-go side, which also experienced updates to its interior, features the same pizza owner Anthony Behrgela has been making since he opened in 2009.
“We expanded the menu to feature a lot of the dishes you would find at a traditional Italian dine in restaurant,” said Behrgela, listing chicken parmesan, chicken marsala and lasagna among his new offerings.
The new layout matches the Italian feel of its menu with lots of brick, dark wood tables, and a visible open flame pizza stove behind a painted white bar, styled after classic New York City pizza places. A large room in the back is also available for large parties.
Several soft openings will take place next week. An official grand opening will be held shortly thereafter.
The restaurant side is set to operate daily and will stay open later than 9 p.m. An official closing time will be decided based on the business the restaurant receives in its first weeks.
Along with the new pizzas, customers can also expect to find classic Italian appetizers and desserts, in a marked change from its to-go options, as well as a full draft and wine list. Mixed drink offerings and an outdoor patio are planned for the future.
“The full-on liquor license will be a little further down the road, but we’re hoping to start construction this march for the patio to be ready for the spring,” said the owner.
Fans of the restaurant can keep up with the construction process on the Romo’s Pizzeria Facebook page, where updates have been frequent, and where an official opening date will be announced soon.
Romo’s is open Tuesday-through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays noon to 8 p.m