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ENTERTAINMENT: DINING
Giovanni's has long history of feeding Tri-State
HUNTINGTON -- Based out of Ashland, Giovanni's is a pizza chain that encompasses a variety of different formats ranging from buffets to delivery shops.
One location of the chain near and dear to the hearts of many Huntington residents is the pizza pub located at the corner of 20th Street and 3rd Avenue across the street from Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
The restaurant has been in its current location for more than 10 years now, though it has nearly 40 years of history in the community. Pieces of memorabilia tied to the restaurant's history, along with Marshall sports memorabilia and pictures of customers sporting Giovanni's T-shirts around the world can be found inside.
Another thing that stands out about the restaurant is a collection of postcards which once belonged to owner Tony Mancini's grandfather.
"I acquired this restaurant around the time we first moved down here," Mancini said. "We were originally located in a residential area before moving to this stuffy little place on 4th Avenue before finally moving here. Giovanni's is a fairly large franchise with some company stores and some individually owned. Since we're a full-service restaurant, the franchise allows us a good degree of freedom. We adjusted to the tastes of the people on campus. We have some toppings like artichokes that some of the other franchises don't have. We also have a wide selection of sandwiches and salads."
Giovanni's is best known for its pizzas, which range in price from $7.39 for a 10-inch cheese pizza to $13.99 for an 18-inch cheese. Additional toppings range in price from 95 cents to $1.55 depending on the size of the pizza. In addition to traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms, customers can also choose pineapple, salami, artichokes or meatballs.
The restaurant also features a wide assortment of sandwiches, which are served on a 9-inch Pepperidge Farm bun. One of the most popular sandwiches is the Italian Supreme ($6.29) featuring Genoa salami, ham, provolone cheese, onions, pepperoni, banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and a special sauce. Sandwiches vary in price from $4.49 for an order of pizza bread to $6.29 for "The Godfather," which features four meats and two cheeses. All sandwiches ordered for dine in are served with chips and a pickle.
Giovanni's also serves an assortment of salads made to order, calzones, spaghetti, lasagna and soups. Homemade cheesecake is available by the slice for $4.29. Signature soups include the Timberline chili and the cheesy tortellini. Soup costs $2.59 for a cup and $3.59 for a bowl. Salads range in price from $5.29 to $5.79 for a small salad to $6.29 to $6.79 for a large.
"Our bar serves beer and wine only but we have a pretty wide selection," Mancini said. "We currently have 62 different beers including Blue Moon and Yuengling draft. We have imports, domestics and regional brews. We recently added beers from the Mountaineer Brewing Company as well as some higher alcohol beers that have just now became available in the state. This includes the Sam Adams Imperial series which is catching on."
Giovanni's offers free delivery for all orders over $9. The pizzeria also offers party trays for tailgating and other catering occasions. Customers should give a 24-hour notice for party trays. Deliveries range from Guyandotte to 5th Street West.
Giovanni's is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday.
For delivery, take out or catering, call 304-522-4134.
For more information, including a full menu, go online at www.giovannishuntington.com.
Giovanni's Pizza Power
Type of food: Pizza and sandwich delivery, pub
Address: 20th Street and 3rd Avenue
Phone number: 304-5222-4143
Payments accepted: Cash, check and all major credit/debit cards.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Web site: www.giovannishuntington.com/
