L. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Foodies in search of top-notch Italian cuisine are flocking to a new Northampton County restaurant, dishing out artisan pizzas that include pesto, Nutella and sausage and broccoli rabe varieties.
Andrew Rogers’ Pizzeria, offering made-from-scratch, wood-fired pizzas, started welcoming dine-in customers on Sept. 21 at 1984 Waldheim Road in Lower Saucon Township.
The pizzeria, which opened for takeout in late July, operates on the ground floor of a recently renovated, membership-based social club, B.W. Social, formerly known as the Beethoven Waldheim Club.
Members visiting the club’s Geisterhaus Pub as well as the general public can enjoy hand-crafted pizzas such as cheese, pepperoni and bianca (basil, mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil).
There are also unique selections such as an Americana (bianca pizza with French fries, pink sauce and choice of sliced hot dog or sausage) and Nutella (Nutella, powdered sugar, extra virgin olive oil and optional strawberries or bananas).
Owner Andrew Rogers labels the margherita and sausage and broccoli rabe as two of the most popular varieties.
The 12-inch pizzas range in price from $10 to $19, and Rogers is looking to offer a “two for $20” deal on select pizzas in the coming weeks.
“I’m excited to serve the community,” Rogers said.
“Customers have been very welcoming, and the feedback regarding the pizza has been extremely positive. I’ve been making pizza for about 15 years at restaurants in multiple states, and I’m excited to bring that experience along with fresh, wood-fired pizzas to the Lehigh Valley. Everyone’s welcome to dine here – club members and the general public.”
Rogers, a 2009 graduate of the former Pius X High School in Bangor, got his start in the restaurant industry as a teenager working at Giordano’s Pizza House & Family Restaurant in Pen Argyl.
After high school, he attended college in New Jersey before transferring to and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.
He worked in the kitchens of several Italian restaurants throughout his college years, picking up tricks of the trade from each one.
“After Giordano’s, I worked at a few pizzerias in the Poconos, a few restaurants in the Hackettstown area and a few restaurants in Rhode Island,” Rogers said.
“My experience at each of them was beneficial because there are so many incredible pizzerias out there, and each one makes pizza slightly different. So, I was able to learn different methods of cooking and take knowledge from several different chefs, some of whom came directly from Italy.”
Rogers, who has an Italian and Irish background, launched his pizza-making business a few years ago as a food truck, serving primarily the Slate Belt region.
Today, he continues to operate the mobile aspect of his business at various Lehigh Valley festivals, sports facilities and other venues.
From spring through fall, the truck can regularly be found on weekends serving Elite Championship Tournament Baseball players and their families near the sports fields at Saucon Park, 1204 William St., Bethlehem.
Starting in November, when games end for the season, Rogers plans to expand the pizzeria’s hours to include Saturday and Sunday hours.
Currently, the pizzeria is open for dine-in and take-out, 2-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and noon to 11 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.
“It’s a beautiful property that I’m happy to be a part of,” Rogers said. “There are animals outside and also a nice pond. We hope to have some outdoor dining next spring.”
To place an order or for more information, call 570-856-6033. Info: Andrew Rogers’ Pizzeria on Facebook.
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