Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza opening in Governors Crossing II shopping center
Whatever dishes you choose to order, a Gainesville-based pizzeria chain that's been highly anticipated in Tallahassee promises you’ll be able to “taste the difference.”
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza is celebrating its grand opening 11 a.m. Monday with a special check presentation to Big Bend Habitat for Humanity and a ceremonial pie slicing by local officials and others.
It's in what was the Panera Bread location, in the Governors Crossing II shopping center, on Park Avenue at Blair Stone Road. (Panera has moved to Apalachee Parkway.)
For months, gigantic white letters plastered on the large storefront reading “Coming Soon” teased local foodies. As if the sign wasn’t enough, to tease its grand opening, the pizzeria hosted an exclusive friends and family soft opening Friday afternoon.
“We're really just proud to be a part of the community and have our 13th location in Tallahassee with a great option for full service dining and also takeout food,” co-owner Jerry Roberts told the Tallahassee Democrat.
The space has been completely transformed into a warm and intimate gathering space for all to enjoy some authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant shares a busy parking lot with Publix Super Market, Nuberri Frozen Yogurt and others in the center.
When guests walk in they are immediately welcomed and greeted at the hostess stand next to intimate tables that line the wall, with a full-service bar nearby.
The high-end pizzeria is decorated in deep tans, with brown and red plush booths and golden leaves that outline the interior of the store, with low hanging lights as a centerpiece. On Friday, families, friends, co-workers and students quickly filled the booths.
Murals of open windows that look out onto vineyards help immerse guests into a Mediterranean fantasy. The restaurant's name plays off the Italian word "paisano," which means somebody from your own country, or more informally, a good friend.
Fluffy rolls drizzled in an Italian dressing coated with shavings of parmesan sit on a white plate for the table to share. The complimentary “Piesano Rolls” are a prized appetizer that Roberts described as “craveable” and "unique.”
The savory and slightly salty rolls set the tone for the rest of the restaurant's staples of pizza, pasta, calzones and more, curated by co-owner Joel Mills and executed with the help of chef Dino Genser.
Roberts and another co-owner, Joel Mills, two of the three partners in the business, bounced from table to table greeting guests with big smiles and recommendations for every taste bud. Passion flowed from both and the rest of the team as they shared details about the menu.
Roberts shared that one of his favorite dishes is the simple “pepperoni rolls,” made with stone baked rolls filled with pepperoni and cheese, brushed with garlic butter and parmesan, and served with a side of marinara sauce.
A popular, classic pizza recommended by the owners is the ultra thin “pizza antico” made with fresh mozzarella, charred pepperoni and fresh basil.
Those who aren’t craving any of the 27 specialty pizzas can explore the entrees, specialty calzones, pastas or salads like the vibrant “Summer Salad” to balance the bountiful dishes. The restaurant also offers a large wine selection, signature cocktails and tap beers.
Mills shared his excitement to expand to more Florida cities. Getting their start in the early 2000s as "Italian Gator Pizza by the Slice," specifically tailored to University of Florida students, the owners shared high hopes for their latest location — and others to come.
If you go
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza is at 101 N. Blair Stone Road, Governors Crossing II shopping center.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday.
Along with their casual dining service, Piesanos offers a separate takeout station in its restaurant and catering service to feed up to 800.
Kyla A. Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza opening Tallahassee location
