Dining

Crust New York Pizzeria Debuts Locations in Tempe and North Central Phoenix

Photos courtesy of Crust Pizzeria

The owners of Crust Simply Italian have announced the opening of two new pizzerias – Crust New York Pizzeria in Tempe and North Central Phoenix. The new concept is a modern neighborhood pizzeria that serves NY-style pizza and other staples like heroes, calzones, pasta, and wings.

The Tempe Crust Pizzeria is located at 1120 E. Baseline Rd. and took over the former Artichoke Pizza. The 2,200-square-foot space includes a dining room plus a patio with additional seating, a full bar, and easy take-out options.

The second location at 6031 N. 16th St., in Phoenix, also took over a former

Artichoke Pizza. This newly renovated, 2,400-square-foot space also offers guests the option to dine in or take out. Enjoy the secluded patio or a quick slice at the bar.

“We are so excited to open these two new Crust Pizzerias in Tempe and the 16th Street corridor,” says Michael Merendino, owner of Crust Restaurant Group. “The focus at these two restaurants is to serve the families and communities who live, work, and play there. The menu features my family’s recipes, and we proudly serve them at an affordable price. We look forward to welcoming guests in and making Crust Pizzeria their new go-to.”

In addition to the hand-tossed pizzas, the menu at both locations features a monthly special pizza including tantalizing combinations like the Manhattan Special that has meatballs, ricotta cheese, red onion, Calabrian chilis, and fresh basil. Guests can expect traditional items like garlic knots, wings, pastas, and calzones, as well as hearty sandwiches including a meatball parm, and Italian beef.

Beer, wine, and specialty cocktails like an Aperol Spritz, espresso martini Big Gulp, strong island iced tea, and a Little Italy black Manhattan are also served. A menu of daily specials includes two slices and a drink for $8.50, a slice, salad, and drink for $8.50, $6 glasses of wine until 6 p.m., a whole pizza and wings for $25, and a family meal consisting of a whole pizza, wings, garlic knots, salad, and two cookies for $45.

These family-friendly locations also offer an extensive catering menu – perfect for feeding the team after game night, office lunches, and other group gatherings.

Merendino, who is originally from New York, has designed these pizzerias envisioning the warmth of his own large Italian family, crafting a space where each guest is treated like a family member returning home.

Both locations will be open daily from 11 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit, crustpizzaplace.com.

Photo courtesy of city of Chandler

Chandler is gearing up for an electrifying evening as it hosts the Youth & Teen Talent Competition on Friday, Jan. 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Chandler Center for the Arts, located at 250 N. Arizona Ave.

Open to participants aged 5 to 19, the event is a vibrant platform for young performers in various categories, including singing, dancing, playing instruments, and more. Competitors, required to fill out a registration form, are gearing up for auditions on December 14, at the Chandler Community Center, located at 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., after submitting applications through December 12.

With a modest entry fee of $5 for show admission, and registration costs of $30 for residents and $41 for non-residents, the competition promises an evening of diverse and dynamic performances. Cash prizes await the top talents in each category, adding an element of excitement to the friendly contest.

This event not only celebrates the artistic prowess of Chandler’s youth but also offers a unique opportunity for community engagement and support for emerging talents. For more information, or to secure a spot in what promises to be a memorable showcase of local talent, interested parties may reach out to Kennedy Terrill at kennedy.terrill@chandleraz.gov, call 480-7822730, or visit chandleraz.gov/events/youth-teen-talentcompetition-act-entry-deadline.