Gio’s Pizza Co. takes over old Casa DiLeo spot in Rehoboth
Looking to continue the legacy created by his uncle John DiLeo, John Thompson has opened Gio’s Pizza Co. in the former Casa DiLeo space on Rehoboth Avenue Extended outside Rehoboth Beach.
Thompson co-owns the new pizza shop with his wife Dana Marmo. They took over the restaurant space earlier this year. The couple also owns and operates the original Gio’s Pizza Co. near Scranton, Pa.
John DiLeo successfully operated Casa DiLeo for more than two decades. Thompson helped manage the restaurant briefly in 2009 and 2010, which is why, he said, when his uncle called about helping with the transition not too long ago, he jumped at the chance.
“Family is the most important thing, and I fell in love with the community when I was here before,” said Thompson. “Working for my uncle at Casa DiLeo is where I became a man and learned how to treat customers. It’s about taking care of people like they’re eating at your house.”
The menu for Gio’s Pizza is similar to Casa DiLeo’s, but Thompson said it’s been updated. The dough for the pizza and breads is made daily because they don’t use ingredients with food colorings, chemicals, shelf stabilizers or bleach.
“It’s the way bread has been made for thousands of years. It’s the real deal,” said Thompson.
The day of the interview, Thompson said the state liquor official had been in to inspect. With the change in business came the need for a new liquor license, he said.
“It should be coming soon, which will be great,” said Thompson. “When people come in for pizza, they want to be able to drink a beer.”
In addition to the liquor license, Thompson said the menu offerings will be expanding, and off-season pricing will start. He said it’s tough to offer something like chicken marsala on the menu and not be able to serve customers a glass of wine to go with it.
Thompson said he’s aware that there are Casa DiLeo customers with gift cards, most of which were purchased during a Black Friday 2-for-1 sale. To accommodate those customers, he said, Gio’s will honor half the value of those gift cards.
The only request, said Thompson, is that the cards are redeemed in $25 increments.
The hours of operation for Gio’s are 4 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday.
As business increases, so will the hours, said Thompson. It’s been a bit of a climb, he said.
For more information on Gio’s Pizza Co., 37169 Rehoboth Ave Ext., go to giosrehoboth.com or call 302-226-8660.
