Let's Eat

CHRISTIAN MANAHAN
Staff Writer
April 30, 2008

Johnny D’s Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor

Here’s a pizza you can’t refuse

PLEASANTVILLE – John Douris’ family has been in the restaurant business for 87 years.
But Douris, 53, took a 16-year detour into the construction business before he came back to the occupation that he loved best.
Now he has owned and operated Johnny D’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street for the past 13 years.
“I missed it,” said Douris, who lives in Egg Harbor Township. “I grew up in it – it’s in my blood.”
It was the right career move.
“I love going to work every day,” he said with a smile.
Johnny D’s menu has more than 250 items ranging from a coleslaw and chili to chicken Alfredo and baby back ribs.
Douris admitted that the menu is a bit larger than he would like it to be, but it does help in maintaining customer loyalty.
“We cater to everyone at Johnny D’s,” he said. “We have Italian, American, Mexican, Greek, Jewish, Jamaican and soul food served here.”
The restaurant also has menu items for those on the Weight Watchers and Atkins diet, Douris said.
But what really sets the versatile restaurant apart from the competition is the massive “Big Johnny 36,” a pizza the size of a wagon wheel. At 36 inches in diameter, it is the largest pie in southern New Jersey, according to Douris.
“We have to tilt it sideways to get it into the pizza oven,” he said.
Johnny D’s serves 19-inch pizza slices, and Douris promises that for anyone who can down three in one sitting, the tab is on the house.
“I thought it was a great gimmick,” Douris said.
He said a student from Mainland Regional High School is the only person to date who has been able to accomplish the feat.
“I believe he could have eaten more,” Douris recalled.
The ice cream parlor was added last summer. The ice cream comes from Richmond Ice Cream, and the water ice from the Philadelphia Italian Water Ice Factory.
“It was a tremendous hit,” he said.
Johnny D’s also works very closely with the city and community, having helped organizations such as the Pleasantville Striders raise money for equipment and uniforms.
Twice a year, second- and third-graders from the local school district come to the restaurant and are given the opportunity to make their own pizza.
“I’ve been told that it’s their favorite field trip,” he said.

If You Go
Johnny D’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
44 N. Main St.
Pleasantville
(609) 383-6969
Open every day 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; delivery until 2:30 a.m. ($10 minimum). Ice cream delivery starting June 1
Credit cards accepted
Online ordering available at www.JohnnyDsPizza.com
Catering available

Customer Favorites:
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad ($8.25) Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, onions, tomato and grated cheese.
Bucket of Wings ($21.99) 30 wings in hot sauce, one pound of cole slaw, half a loaf of Italian bread, celery and blue cheese.
Johnny Wrap ($6.25) Grilled chicken, mushrooms, roasted peppers and mozzarella cheese.
Steak Cacciatore ($10.99 for small) Gourmet pizza topped with steak, sauce, green peppers, mushrooms, onions and mozzarella cheese.
Capone ($5.99) Grilled chicken, spinach, roasted peppers and mozzarella cheese on a roll. Comes with chips and a pickle.
The Big Johnny 36 ($23.50) A 36-inch cheese pizza pie. Additional toppings are $5.
Pizza by the slice ($3.50) A 19-inch slice of cheese pizza. Additional toppings are 75 cents each.
 

Customers can order from Johnny D’s Restaurant online at www.JohnnyDsPizza.com.