Former Jonesville Store In Clifton Park Will Become A Wood-Fired Pizza Restaurant

By Jill Nagy
Later this year, the former Jonesville Store in Clifton Park will become Classic Crust Brick and Mortar, a restaurant version of the pizza truck catering business known as Classic Crust.
For five years, the Classic Crust truck has delivered wood-fired pizza and beer to parties in the Capital District. The truck will continue to operate but between trips it will be parked at the permanent restaurant, which will be located at 989 Main St., about two miles west of Northway Exit 10.
If all goes well, the new restaurant will open in March, according to Julie Carioto, co-owner with her husband, Greg. She is also the chef.
They purchased the restaurant property from Sean Lee, the former owner of Rocco’s restaurant at the Jonesville Store location. The store itself began as a general store, probably in the 1850s, in what was then the hamlet of Jonesville, a farming community, long before the Northway brought suburbia to Clifton Park, she said.
They bought the Clifton Park property in January and have been renovating and refurnishing the building, including installing the wood-fired pizza oven. Greg has been busy splitting logs for the oven.
The Cariotos can serve parties of up to 200 people from the truck. It is popular for corporate events, weddings, showers, and parties.
The menu at Brick and Mortar will feature the same pizza as the truck. In addition, Carioto said, they will offer small plates, salads, desserts, coffee and a full bar. No specific children’s menu is planned, but Carioto said they are thinking about root beer floats and some child-oriented desserts. The full menu is still under development.
“We will keep it small but very good,” she said.
They expect to hire between 10 and 15 employees and they are already receiving inquiries from employees of other restaurants.
The new restaurant will be open six evenings a week, closed Mondays. Exact hours will be posted on the ClassicCrust.com website, along will more detailed information about the menu and prices.
Meanwhile, the Cariotos are getting the mobile restaurant ready for another season. Last year was busy, with 17 events in June alone.
“Every year, it gets busier,” Carioto said. Prices vary, and are posted on the website, but, as an example, she said that they will serve up to 50 people for $1,500.
In addition to the website, you can reach the Cariotos at 518 265-6724.