By Greg Hitchcock
When New York City restaurateur Alex Rodriguez found out that Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor in Saratoga Springs was for sale, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I was looking for a slower pace,” Rodriguez said. “I like the small town feeling. We absolutely love Saratoga.”
When a friend relocated to Saratoga Springs, Rodriguez sold his apartment in New York City and moved upstate with his wife and two children.
Rodriguez purchased Gennaro’s on Oct. 1 and started renovations soon afterward, adding a fresh coat of paint with a new pizza-esque style from floor to ceiling, designed by Manhattan artist Raphael Santiago.
Established in 2014, the eatery located at 46 Marion Ave. in the Fresh Market plaza offers not only fresh pizza from a gas and wood-burning oven, but submarine sandwiches, arrancini (ricotta cheese balls), chicken wings and full dinners.
Rodriguez said he has introduced artisanal salads to the mix.
“Since I purchased the business, I kept all the familiar recipes the same, upholding the integrity and reputation of the food,” he said.
Rodriguez employs 17 workers that include seven delivery drivers.
Rodriguez has been in the restaurant business for the last 25 years
Gennaro’s is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The phone number is 518-584-1900. The website is www.gennarospizzaparlor.com.