Making authentic, fresh pizza is second nature for the family-owned and operated Via’s Pizza and Via Veneto based in Norristown and East Norriton, respectfully.

But even with the freshest ingredients and strongest family ties, sometimes you have to pivot and seek help when you face a challenge.

That’s exactly what owners, Domenic Stabile and Vito Parisi did when they realized their long-established Norristown-based Via’s Pizza — which has been open since the early 1970s — location needed renovations. The business owners were originally customers of a national bank, and after failed attempts to get a response, realized they needed the care and attention of a local bank.

Ambler Savings Bank’s Customer-First Approach

“We worked with Via when their big bank turned them away,” stated Patrick Rice, Vice President of Commercial Lending at Ambler Savings Bank. “The pizza shop was previously working with a larger national bank that wasn’t giving them a response.”

Rice, a long-time customer, remembers bringing his then-girlfriend, now wife, for pizza and water ice in the 1990s. When he heard that Via’s was looking for a new bank to partner with, he set up a meeting and was able to offer him a loan. Rice emphasizes that Ambler Savings Bank values building relationships with customers.

“The more you work with community businesses, the more our customers become like family,” he added.

Stabile, who began banking with Ambler in 2019, praised their customer-centric approach.

“Working with Ambler is a pleasure; unlike many national banks, they provided a personal, prompt, and tailored service,” he said. “I could always speak to someone directly and get the answers I needed.”

Ambler Savings Bank helped Stabile and Parisi secure the loan to renovate the pizza shop, and in the meantime, they opened what was supposed to be a temporary location across town in East Norriton. However, the business was so steady that Stabile and Parisi decided to renew the lease for another 10 years. Now they operate two locations, the original Via’s Pizza in Norristown and a second location, Via Veneto in East Norriton.

A Temporary Location Becomes a Permanent Fixture

It’s no surprise customers enjoyed this “temporary” location, with Via Veneto Pizza priding itself on being a family restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Additionally, the space can accommodate events, offering a beautiful private room, full bar, and customizable menu for groups of up to 50 people.

“Renovations took longer than expected and the East Norriton location was busy,” stated Rice. “It took them a while to staff up, but they re-opened in May 2024.”

Stabile noted that while both locations carry the same menu items, including pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and salads, the Via Veneto Pizza in East Norriton location is more of a “sit-down” environment whereas the Norristown location is more casual.

As for Via’s Pizza’s original location reopening in Norristown, the community could not be more excited to grab a slice — especially the famous Sicilian pizza.

From Sicily To Norristown: A Dream of a Better Future (and Great Pizza)

And why is the Sicilian pizza so popular? It’s likely because that’s where Stabile has his roots. He moved to America when he was almost 20 and started as a furniture maker but then decided to join his brother in opening a pizza shop. In March 1973, Stabile opened Via’s in Norristown and has been there ever since.

“I moved from Italy to this country for a future,” said Stabile. “And when we came here and started serving our pizza, people started going crazy for it.”

In 1976, Stabile’s second cousin, Vito Parisi, joined the business with him, and for the last 10 years, Stabile’s son, Joey, has been an integral part of the restaurant’s operations. Stabile, his cousin, and his son look forward to the ongoing success of the East Norriton location and reestablishing their customer base in Norristown — making fresh, authentic pizza enjoyable for all of their customers.

Double the Flavor: How Reopening in Norristown, Expanding in East Norriton Brings Pizza Closer to More Customers

Rice commented on the impact of the reopening, stating, “Lots of people are glad that they have the restaurant reopened in Norristown. I have been in the restaurant several times and people say to Domenic and Vito, ‘We’re so glad you’re back at the original location.’ A lot of them are people who live in the Norristown borough and cannot drive to the East Norriton location.”

Stabile mentioned that while the Via Veneto’s Pizza website currently only highlights the East Norriton location, there will soon be a new webpage that will highlight Via’s Pizza and its growth in the town.

Stabile also commented on the convenience of the location, stating, “With Via’s in Norristown, we’re closer to many of the customers, and they’d rather come here to pick up their order. They don’t have to go looking for parking; we have plenty of parking here around this building.”

To learn more about Via Veneto and Via’s Pizza, visit the website.

Ambler Savings Bank is a mutually organized community bank headquartered in Ambler with locations in Fairview Village, Limerick, and Bally, as well as several continuing care retirement facilities.

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