(Aug. 19, 2021) Ocean Pines newest pizza option, Serpone’s, opened for business last Monday next to the Food Lion in Pennington Commons, bringing with it a taste of Naples.

Restaurateur Francesco Serpico, who emigrated to the U.S. from Naples, Italy in 2006, relocated to Berlin with his wife and children in 2018.

“I was in New Jersey for three years and then I was in Pennsylvania for nine years,” he said.

After running a food establishment near the beach in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 2010 Serpico was married and headed for the Poconos to open a comparable operation in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Three years ago, the couple and their two children opted to head south for Berlin.

“We liked the area and the school system,” he said. “My daughter is going to be six in October and my son turned three at the end of May.”

After nearly a decade at a higher altitude, the Serpico’s agreed a return to an oceanside locale seemed in order.

“Just because of being by the beach my entire life,” he said.

After settling for a few years on the Eastern Shore, the couple decided in January to return to restaurant operations.

“We discussed it,” he said. “We got whatever money we could and decided to go ahead and open our own business.”

In addition to the pre-requisite New York-style thin crust, available whole or by the slice, Serpone’s Pizzeria menu also includes calzones, strombolies, stuffed pizza, salads, appetizers, and hot or cold sub sandwiches.

The culinary focus is centered on high-end ingredients.

“Our dough is homemade,” he said. “I use unbleached and unbromated flour.”

Serpone’s is less concerned with price point than flavor.

“I pay a little bit extra but it’s a little bit more healthy,” he said.

Serpico also brings authentic Italian flavor to its dishes.

“I’m giving the Neapolitan twist,” he said. “I’m actually getting imported tomatoes from Naples. My biggest point is our sauce.”

Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Online ordering is available by visiting Serponespizzeria.com or call ahead at 410-973-2894 or 443-513-4326.

Although the restaurant provides enough space for dining in, Serpico is starting with carryout service only, with hopes of adding seating at a later date.

“I decided to not have any seating yet just because I wanted to make sure that everybody gets good service,” he said.