Original owners return to a family pizzeria in Bradenton after ‘unbelievable adventure’
After a 10-month break, Danny and Joanie Fernandez have returned as owners of Danny’s Pizzeria, a favorite of Bradenton pizza lovers since 2010.
Danny’s, 7220 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, in the Beachway Plaza, reopened Dec. 6.
“We’re very happy to be back. How lucky are we to get to come back to the place we love so much?” Joanie said.
So, what happened during their time away?
“We had a nice, long break and had the opportunity to do some things we hadn’t had time for before. We’ve been doing the restaurant business for 33 years and had never been able to take a long vacation before,” Danny said.
“We took a month-long trip to California and visited all over. It was an unbelievable adventure,” he said.
Now, they are back for the long haul, he said.
“We returned rejuvenated, re-energized and excited,” he said.
Local social media lit up with the news that the couple had returned, with restaurant’s Facebook post receiving over 400 comments.
“Thank the Lord! This is the best news ever. I am beyond excited that you all are coming back. Pizza Fridays will be whole again,” one woman posted.
Another posted: “Well, that’s the best news I’ve heard all year.”
The couple says it is good news for them, too.
“This area is the best in the world. We consider ourselves a small mom-and-pop shop and the customers appreciate that. We love our employees and all our great customers,” Danny said. “We are here about every day. We are a very close-knit family business, we truly are.”
Danny and Joanie’s son, Ashton, works in the business as head pizza chef. Another son, Dan. Jr. is a mechanical engineer.
“Our biggest blessing is our great employees,” Danny said.
Danny’s Pizzeria serves New York-style thin crust – but not cracker crust – pizza, he said.
Pizza choices range from cheese pizzas to supreme, veggie, meat lover, white, margarita, eggplant, Hawaiian and more.
“We sell lots of cheese, pepperoni and meat lovers pizzas. Calzone is a top seller, too,” Danny said.
Also on the menu: spaghetti or penne, lasagna, manicotti, ravioli parmigiana, calzones, appetizers, salads and hero sandwiches.
Wine and beer are available.
Danny’s Pizzera is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. Danny’s is closed on Monday.
The restaurant has seating for 80 and offers dining in, take out and delivery.
For more information about Danny’s Pizzeria, call 941-795-1111 or visit https://dannyspizzaflorida.com/.
This story was originally published December 16, 2022 at 5:50 AM.
