Brewster is a town full of many “hole-in-the-wall” small businesses, many being restaurants and food-oriented establishments. Among these places, a vast majority serve Italian cuisine, providing a multitude of different types of pizza flavors and pastas for their customers to enjoy. In a previous issue, I already talked about one newer Italian restaurant that has food, flavor, and portions that surpasses the average place. However, there is another pizzeria, one that has been around decades longer in Brewster, that also lives up to the same standard.

This pizzeria is a notable Italian business and a fan favorite in our community, Sinapi’s Pizzeria off of Route 22, located next to Dunkin’ Donuts. Known for their flavorful pastas and variety of pizza, the Italian establishment has made a name for itself over the past 35 years. It has had three owners in the past couple of decades, with the current one being Robert Samperi who took over in January 2010.

The restaurant business itself is not a new environment for Samperi, who has been involved in it since he was 15-years-old. He has been part of the industry for 36 years, doing everything from being a busboy to a cook. He then took a break from food service for around 13 years, though he states he “always kept a foot in the restaurant business” during that time. After this period, he eventually jumped right back in, taking his financial and food service knowledge along with a strong work ethic as a former employee to becoming the next owner.

Since his ownership, Samperi has only propelled Sinapi’s forward as a business, creating a lovable restaurant with a compelling and relaxing atmosphere. He keeps customers wanting to come back by developing a positive relationship with them and “treating everyone like family, even getting on first-name bases with some. His goal is to create a welcoming environment, one that fosters community among Sinapi’s employees and customers. Samperi says he even has customers who “have brought their children in since they were babies and now those kids are going to college and still come in,” further demonstrating how far the pizzeria’s hospitality goes.

Along with the establishment’s atmosphere and amazing customer service, the delicious food they serve is another reason for its success and ability to get regulars. They have a wide variety of calzones, pasta dishes, pizza pies, salads, and poultry and seafood dishes, along with some Italian desserts and appetizers. Their most popular item on the menu is their chicken parm, but Samperi also recommends that any new customers should try their chicken Francese, as it is just as enjoyable. Many customers rave about the quality and intense flavor of the food, making it a key reason people have been coming back for years.

Brewster residents are not the only people who recognize how tasty Sinapi’s food is. Television shows like Chew have given a shout-out to the restaurant for their great pizza. Some celebrities have also eaten from Sinapi’s and found it just as delicious, one being famous actor, Michael J. Fox, who Samperi claims is “one of [their] biggest fans.”

All Samperi aims to do is stay consistent with their business, maintaining their applicable service, high quality of food, and connection with customers and Brewster. Ultimately, he just wants to “keep growing as an independent Mom and Pop shop” and continue to bring in great business. Whether it is catering events and parties, being a place where teams can bond together after a game, or just a place to grab a casual slice, Sinapi’s will not disappoint. In fact, their warm and welcoming atmosphere along with their tasty dishes will only make you want to come back every chance you get.