Here’s why diners are returning to Danny Boys Pizza in droves
By Patricia Nugent
With diners once again venturing out to eat, the search for local neighborhood restaurants with authentic dishes and friendly, attentive service is back on.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Danny Boys Pizza checks all those boxes and then some. It combines scrumptious from-scratch dishes, handed down from generation to generation, along with a charmingly nostalgic décor celebrating memorabilia that pays homage to Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and the Rat Pack. The menu encompasses classic preparations with a twist, from salads and sandwiches to pasta dishes to build-your-own and award-winning specialty pizzas.
“Pizza is in our name, so obviously we’ve earned a reputation for that,” says General Manager Elena Rego. “But we hope people realize that we’re also a full-service restaurant featuring a full menu, including many rustic Italian dishes, much more than a pizzeria.”
Lenten, Spring and Summer Fare
Cleveland is fairly famous for its fish fry Fridays during Lent. And while the restaurants do offer an amazing fish fry, with craft beer-battered pollock and cod, they also offer sky’s-the-limit choices to create your own meatless meals.
The crafty chefs even came up with a zesty take on the classic pierogies, a perennial Lenten fave, deep-frying the potato-and-cheese-filled pockets and topping them in the zesty wing sauce of your choice.
“Diners enjoy our Build Your Own Pasta section of the menu, with countless options,” says Elena. “You can also add fresh grilled shrimp to any salad to make the perfect main dish. Of course, you can build your own pizza as well, with an eclectic variety of toppings.”
She reports from their all-star lineup of eight super-fresh salads, which make the perfect lighter meal, the Bistro Chicken Salad is consistently their number one order. It includes cranberries, candied walnuts, tomatoes, apples, goat cheese, fresh parmesan cheese and citrus-grilled chicken.
The restaurant has also become a destination for the best happy hour in town, with specials on cocktails, beer, wine, and a selection of tantalizing $5 appetizers. And don’t miss wine nights, with half-priced select bottles of wine.
The Art and Craft of Catering
With spring and summer graduation parties and family reunions in the planning stages, Elena says she hopes people remember them when shopping for creative, inventive and affordable caterers.
“With Italian fare, the dollar goes a long way and the portions are generous, inviting and beautifully presented,” she says. “We’ve cooked for every size and every type of gathering and can help in the planning, putting together the ideal menu to make your occasion a memorable one. In the past, we’ve done dishes of pierogies for church functions, pasta trays for pharmaceutical reps treating their doctor clients, and ribs and wings for March Madness Watch parties.” Event planners can create their own custom menus and place their order by calling the restaurant directly or visiting DannyBoysCatering.com.
A Rewarding Career Starts Here
The Danny Boys atmosphere is enjoyable to work in, too. Elena points out that they are currently looking to fill open positions, from servers to kitchen staff and management.
“We’ve been fortunate over the years to hire wonderful people either looking for starting positions, whether in high school or college, or fun part-time positions for folks who are retired or between jobs,” she adds. “The restaurant and hospitality industry provides opportunities for those who want to work in it temporarily or as a rewarding life-long career.”
Danny Boys restaurants are located in Broadview Heights, North Canton, Tallmadge, Sandusky (between Kalahari waterpark and Great Wolf Lodge), Rocky River and North Olmsted. Visit DannyBoysPizza.com for menus and hours. Franchising opportunities are available. You can apply for jobs online and in-person daily; no experience necessary.