Long Island Pizza owner Kurt Kane has continued to raise the standards of delivery pizza in the Williamsport area for the past five years while becoming a recent member of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
Following a move from Dewey Avenue to their present location at 435 Hepburn Plaza, (570) 601-DINE, Long Island Pizza has been able to spread the joy of their eating experience across the city delivering to not only the downtown but also the South Williamsport, Loyalsock and DuBoistown areas while keeping faithful costumers in the Old Lycoming area.
"We moved over here because we thought it would be better to be centrally located in order to serve more people," said Kane. "It's a win-win situation with being able to deliver to a wider region of the city while taking care of the downtown lunch crowd."
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JAYSON SEYLER/Sun-Gazette
Long Island Pizza owner stands next to car that delivers the business's pizza throughout most of Greater Williamsport.
Hailing from Bohemia, N.Y., a hamlet on Long Island, Kurt pioneered his New York-style pizza in 1992 when, with long-time friend Peter Scarpelli, he opened the former Heavenly Pasteria.
"I started making pizza when I was 9 years old," reflected Kane remembering his first paycheck being seven dollars. "At the Pasteria, Pete and I had 12 awesome years with lines around the building everyday."
After much prayer and support from his wife, Marie, Kurt set out on his own and opened Long Island Pizza on Dewey Avenue in 2004.
With a lot of competition in the area, Kane feels that it's his consistency, quality and atmosphere that set him apart from the rest.
"People love coming in here and they love the atmosphere," said Kane. "I get to know my customers by name and on a personal level."
Among the 60 different styles and three dozen varieties of gourmet pizzas that Kurt and his crew of 11 employees produce is the Bohemian Pizza, named for his hometown, made with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, mushrooms, peppers, onions, extra cheese, and fresh garlic.
Another is the Buffalo Chicken Pizza that's made with chicken soaked in Frank's Red Hot sauce which was inspired by his loving wife.
"Marie is the straw that stirs the drink," proudly boasted Kane who has four children. "She makes sure we are doing what we are supposed be doing."
Besides the scrumptious pizza on the menu, Long Island has a variety of cold and hot sandwiches as well as strombolis and calzones.
Kurt also has appetizers, which, all you Heavenly Pasteria patrons cannot forget, includes his famous garlic or cinnamon knots.
If all that is not enough to inspire you to call on Kurt, Long Island has a dessert menu with New York-style cheesecake, cannolis chocolate covering optional and a Dessert of the Month, which is chocolate peanut butter silk pie this month.
Also, for the summer, Long Island Pizza has partnered with Sunset Ice Cream for a display offering eight flavors.
In the future Kane hopes to take advantage of a large dining hall at the Hepburn Plaza location for catering birthday and other parties.
Kane stresses that it's his family and the sense of community that drives and inspires him.
"Williamsport is a great place to raise children," said Kane. "It's family oriented and it's gorgeous. I love it here, forgetta bout' it!"
