Santarpio's opening delayed by at least a month

By Bella Travaglini

The signs are up, renovations are nearly complete and staff will be hired this week, but the long-anticipated opening of Santarpio’s Pizza on the North Shore has been delayed at least a month.

The pizzeria expected to open on Route 1 north in Peabody this week, but delivery of the rotary ovens ordered in March from a St. Louis company has been delayed, said Carla Santarpio, one of the owners of the family restaurant.

“We are going to begin interviewing this Thursday for staff,” said Santarpio, in spite of the delay. “Once the ovens get here, we will be ready to open our doors.” She said at least a month's delay is expected.

When the ovens are delivered and installed, Santarpio’s will have to go through another round of electrical, fire, gas and building inspections, said Linda Lavoie of the building inspector’s office. Following those inspections, an overall final inspection will need to be completed, she said.

Santarpio’s earlier this year paid $1.7 million for the Bennigan’s building at 71 Newbury St. at the Route 1 north jughandle turnaround during a foreclosure process and $150,000 for an all-alcohol license as part of the deal, said Santarpio.

The Peabody pizzeria will follow the East Boston model, where the family for decades has run a successful Chelsea Street business, and serve three menu items – pizza, lamb and sausage barbeque. Pizza is the only item available to go, said Santarpio.

Renovations are 90 percent complete, and the barbeque pit, which is twice the size of the East Boston restaurant, is installed and ready to go, said Santarpio.

Given the recent delay, Santarpio is reluctant to give a date for the opening.

“I have heard from so many people asking when we are opening,” said Santarpio. “I can’t give a specific date, but let’s just say we’re excited and ready to go once those ovens get here.”