TOMS RIVER, NJ – For what seemed like an eternity, Steverino’s Pizzeria was the goto pizza joint in Silverton, but three years ago, after decades of serving the residents of the community, Steverinos shut down. After around 50 years of making pizza, the end was sad news to many who grew up on their food.
The storefront at 1889 Hooper Avenue has always been spinning pizza, even as the businesses around it came and went. The Surf Taco was once a Hostess and Wonder Bread outlet store. Before that, it was an Arthur Treacher. Phil’s Locker Locker lounge to the north was razed and turned into a Charlie Brown’s restaurant. That too is gone.
But pizza remained until September when DiCosmos shut down.
“3 years ago, I took a chance, quit my job, and bought a pizzeria to bring back the DiCosmo’s name and the signature DiCosmo’s red shirts that I grew up with,” the pizzeria posted on Facebook. “Thanks to my team Adam, Billy, Hunter, Ruben, Nelson, Christine, Kait, Mike And Claud for helping build what I set out to do. Also a big thanks to the community for being so supportive. Many of you have become regulars and great friends and I can’t thank you enough for that. I made the tough decision to sell the business and our last day will be Sunday 9/11.”
So what’s next for the spot that has served pizza in Toms River for over 50 years?
The next week, Villaggio Pizza TRNJ took over. This is the first month in operation. Have you been there yet? How is it? Let us know in the comments below.