EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The Dounoulis brothers, Evan and Dino, plan to someday make Pepperoni’s Grill a franchise operation. For the past month, they have been bringing their Mediterranean-influenced food to area diners and are pleased with the response they are getting.
“People are trying our food and liking it,” Evan Dounoulis said of the eatery’s nontraditional offerings. “Pepperoni’s is something a little different. We’re not just a traditional pizza place.”
“This area is looking for a more gourmet selection,” his brother added as he rushed from pizza oven to grill. “Their tastes have matured.”
The Dounoulis are not new to the restaurant business. They have worked in nearly every facet of the industry – from fast food to currently owning three restaurants in Atlantic City, including a Chinese restaurant.
“We are familiar with every aspect of the restaurant business and bring lots of different things to the table, but our background is Mediterranean, and Pepperoni’s reflects our Greek heritage,” said Evan Dounoulis.
His brother said many of the selections on Pepperoni’s menu are family recipes diners won’t find on other menus.
Saganaki is one example. It is an appetizer of pan-fried kaseri cheese served with a lemon oil dressing.
In addition to the more unusual offering, Pepperoni’s offers traditional fare from pan pizza to paninis and cheese steaks to fresh salads.
“Our most popular item is the pan pizza. People love it,” said Evan Dounoulis. The specialty features a blend of seven cheeses, and dough and sauce that is made fresh daily.
“It is a lot of work, but the taste is definitely worth it,” Dino Dounoulis added.
In keeping with the franchise concept, Pepperoni’s has a delivery vehicle covered with some eye-catching graphics.
Pepperoni’s offers takeout and delivers in about a five-mile range of the restaurant.
“We’ll stretch the delivery distance. Give us a call,” said Evan Dounoulis. Good idea.