This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Zoni's Coal Fired Pizza Grows Deep Roots in the Community

Zoni's Coal Fired Pizza, a family-friendly establishment featuring a wide array of gourmet specialty pies, appetizers and salads located at 287 Route 35 North in the Trezza Liquor Plaza, received an official welcome to the Middletown community on Saturday, June 15. Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and Monmouth County Freeholder Director John P. Curley joined Zoni's owners Stephen and Catherine Knecht for the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was followed later in the day by a "Pizza To The People" Pie-Eating Contest.

Stephen and Catherine, Colts Neck residents who are self-confirmed "foodies" and organic gardeners who grow over 23 types of vegetables and herbs in their own garden, are thrilled to be in Middletown and believe they will be successful due to the caliber of the community. "In addition to making great food - even our salad dressings are homemade - we need great customers. We could go anywhere, but Middletown is an ultimate location with a very supportive community. The saying is true, that Middletown is really the biggest small town around," noted Stephen, who previously owned and operated a taxi and limousine service and is a first-time restauranteur. Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger agreed wholeheartedly and stated at the grand opening, "I am thrilled that Zoni's Coal Fired Pizza has chosen Middletown for the new location. Owners Stephen and Catherine's enthusiasm and Middletown's large population and excellent location are the perfect recipe for success. On behalf of the entire Middletown Township Committee, I wish Stephen and Catherine many years of success."

A BYOB restaurant, owners Stephen and Catherine want to create a fun and festive atmosphere and are especially excited about the future harvest from their garden and greenhouse - they recently planted over 1,500 plants including three types of tomatoes, eggplant, arugula, broccoli, kale, romaine, oregano, cilantro and basil - and will feature the fresh organic cornucopia in their cuisine and on top of their many gourmet pies including the already-popular 'Camilla' with four cheeses, prosciutto and baby arugula drizzled with truffle oil. In addition to offering organic herbs and vegetables, the restaurant is also environmentally-friendly with recycled pallet board and wood and earth-friendly paint according to Stephen.

First-place winners of the "Pizza To The People" Pie-Eating Contest were Steve Olsen of Atlantic Highlands in the adult category; Alissa Carfora of Middletown in the ages 13-17 category; and and Dylan Coleman of Port Monmouth in the pre-teen category. Dylan's twin sister Devin finished a close second place. All winners received gift certificates to the gourmet pizzeria. Hank Coleman, father to Dylan and Devin, took second place in the adult category with Taylor Knecht from Hoboken finishing in third place.

More information on Zoni's Coal Fired Pizza is available by calling the restaurant at (732) 219-8800 and by visiting www.zoniscoalfiredpizza.com. Hours for lunch and dinner are Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 Noon to 8:00 p.m. The restaurant offers a separate entrance for take-out on the side of the building and also offers free delivery. Zoni's is closed on Monday.


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?