Owner Kenny Palin rebrands former Solorzano’s location while keeping fan-favorite menu items and adding new specialty pies
By Jane Bartnett
The formerly named Solorzano’s Pizzeria on Superior Avenue in Gulf Gate has a new name.
Costello’s Neighborhood Pizza is the new name restaurateur and owner Kenny Palin has chosen as he begins a new chapter for his popular Italian eatery. Although the name may be new, the classic menu remains the same.
“Our commitment to serving great food, welcoming service and being part of this wonderful community remains the same,” Palin said. “You can continue to expect the same passion for quality and the fresh ingredients you’ve come to know and enjoy.”
Costello’s exterior has a bright new look. Shiny black doors and freshly painted white window frames welcome customers. The restaurant’s brick facade shines brightly, and several small tables and chairs in front of the eatery offer a place to enjoy “a slice.” A bright white sign reading “Costello’s Pizza,” with the words “pizza, pizza” on either side of the logo, hangs above the double doorway.
It’s an exciting time for Palin, who spent seven years working at Solorzano’s as an employee before purchasing the Gulf Gate and Longboat Key locations through a five-year franchise agreement. When that agreement ended earlier this year, Palin decided to rebrand and establish a new name for his pizzeria.
The name Costello’s is close to Palin’s heart. It is, he said, an homage to his Irish grandmother, Margaret “Peggy” Costello. His “Nana,” as Palin refers to her, is “the greatest woman to ever walk the earth in my eyes.” He lived with her in the Boston-area community of Attleboro, Massachusetts, during the first six years of his life. “She was loving, caring and compassionate,” Palin said. “These values she instilled in me live on, as will her name now.”
Visitors to Costello’s will find many familiar menu items, including pizzas, subs, salads, wings, pasta dishes and desserts. There also are a few new additions Palin is excited about, including the “Southie” pizza. Palin described it as “a classic cheese pie topped with cup-and-char pepperoni, fresh sliced mushrooms and smoked provolone.” Another addition is the Hot Honey Pizza, which features pepperoni, ricotta and hot honey. “People love it,” Palin said, explaining that the hot honey is drizzled over the pie with a bit of spice.
In addition to the daily fan-favorite special — two slices of pizza and a drink for $9.50 — Palin has added several other specials:
• Monday Special — Buy any large pizza and receive either a small cheese pizza or mozzarella sticks at no additional cost. (Gulf Gate location only.)
• Two-for-Twenty Tuesday — Two Parmesan subs for $20. Customers can choose from chicken, eggplant or meatball.
• Friday Special — One large two-topping pizza, a house salad and garlic cheese bread for $35.
• Saturdays — Any four large classic or gourmet pizzas for $88.
Costello’s classic pizzas are available in a 12-inch small or 16-inch large size. Menu options include the traditional Margherita-style “Large Marge,” prepared with sliced mozzarella, and the Boston Garden pizza, a traditional vegetable pie. White-pizza fans may enjoy the Kenny Blanco, prepared with a ricotta base, mozzarella, fresh basil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. A 10-inch gluten-free cauliflower crust pizza also is available.
Gourmet pizzas include the Upstate Chicken, Costello’s take on Buffalo chicken pizza; the Hot Honey; and the Peggy Supreme, topped with pepperoni, ham, sausage, bacon, green peppers and more. The Backyard BBQ features fried chicken, pineapple and a BBQ ranch drizzle.
Sub lovers will find Italian, Parmesan, grilled chicken and Buffalo chicken options. Breads, knots and handmade calzones also are available, along with menu items geared toward children.
In addition to spacious seating at the Gulf Gate restaurant, Costello’s Neighborhood Pizza also features a full bar.
In the months ahead, Palin plans to introduce additional menu items while ensuring customer favorites remain. This summer, he also plans to make cosmetic upgrades to the restaurant’s interior.
As for delivery, Palin noted that customers can now order directly through the Costello’s website, with delivery available through DoorDash or Uber Eats. The full menu and online ordering system are available at https://www.costellosneighborhoodpizza.com/order-online-gg.
Costello’s Neighborhood Pizza, located at 6574 Superior Ave. in Gulf Gate, is open daily. Monday through Thursday hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to midnight. Sunday hours are noon to 10 p.m. Call 941-924-5800. To view the menu or order online, visit costellosneighborhoodpizza.com.
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