Grab a Slice and More at Rio Grande’s Newest Pizza Place, Bruni’s Pizza

By Gia Gallone
Pizza at the Jersey Shore is a longtime tradition, and both visitors and locals now have another option to choose from when craving a slice.
Bruni’s Pizza recently opened its doors at the end of July in the Joe Canal’s Plaza in Rio Grande. Bruni’s first location in Hammonton opened in 1956, and current owners Enrico (Ricky) and Danielle Collini, married since 2000, took over the business in 2006. When they first purchased Bruni’s, both Danielle and Ricky were in law enforcement. It became difficult to keep up with both their jobs and the business, so they had to make a choice. “I really enjoy the restaurant business. I worked in it as a kid, and I love serving people,” said Ricky. So the couple chose to devote all of their time to Bruni’s, as well as their three daughters, ages 9, 11 and 15.
Both the Hammonton and Rio Grande locations boast a 60-year-old recipe created by the original owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bruni, now ages 90 and 89. The Collinis, along with their partners for the Rio Grande location, Bill and Tom Feraco, Ann (Feraco) Wilson and Cathy (Feraco) Sawyer, ensure that the Brunis’ legacy lives on.
Ricky and Tom met several years ago at the Bruni’s Pizza location in Hammonton. Tom constantly brought his basketball team in for some pies after practices and games, and always joked with Ricky about bringing Bruni’s delicious recipe onto the pizza scene at the Jersey Shore. After around seven years of Tom planting this seed in Ricky’s head, the two finally sat down and discussed it. The joke became a reality and Bruni’s made its way to Cape May County.
Although the Hammonton location serves strictly pizza, the Rio Grande location offers much more. Customers can get salads, wraps and paninis, all created by Sid Gary, former executive chef at Atkinson’s Tavern for 22 years. Sid shared that shortly, Bruni’s will be expanding the menu to include hot pasta dishes, chili, soup and more. Pizza options include large or medium size, thin or thick crust, original or white pizza, and plenty of toppings.
Everything on Bruni’s menu is made with fresh ingredients. The Collinis make the dough as needed, cut the veggies daily and grind their own cheese. You won’t find anything frozen here!
“We want to get the best product out of each menu item, which is why our menu isn’t huge,” shared Ricky. “It’s about quality, not quantity. When you have a big menu and more ingredients are required, many of them have to be frozen.”
Lucky for you, you can get Bruni’s fresh, quality food year round, and now you can get it delivered right to your door.
“I’m very fortunate that my family met the Feracos and we became partners. Their family has helped tremendously in getting our business started here in Rio Grande,” Ricky said gratefully.
Bruni’s Pizza is located in the Joe Canal’s Plaza, 1613 Rt. 47 S., Rio Grande. Call (609) 600-1114 to place your order for pick up or delivery. “Like” their Facebook page, “Bruni’s Pizza Rio Grande,” for specials, updated menu items and more!