New York subway stop inspires new Mount Pleasant restaurant

Listen to this article

Woodhaven Pizza is set to open its doors next month, bringing New York style pies to Mount Pleasant. Woodhaven will join two existing businesses under the BENE Hospitality Group umbrella.

BENE Hospitality founders Ty and Karen Mennuti-Raju said they are happy to bring their third restaurant to the Lowcountry after finding success with SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar and Sommba Gastrobar.

Located in the Indigo Square shopping center, the opening of Woodhaven represents a long-awaited dream for Ty Mennuti-Raju to bring to life his experiences of growing up in Queens to South Carolina, he said in a news release. Inspired by the Woodhaven subway stop in Queens, Woodhaven Pizza will offer classic New York fare.

BENE has expanded its ownership group to include James Beard-recognized Chef Vincent Barcelona as chief culinary officer at BENE Hospitality Group. Born into a family that immigrated from Sicily, Barcelona’s roots trace back to the establishment of Barcelona’s Pizzeria, a pie shop in New Jersey that his family opened in 1933 and continues to operate today, the news release said. Also joining the BENE organization with this new venture are Craig and Sonia Sodano. With family ties back to pizza making in Naples, Craig Sodano has more than 20 years of experience in the Italian restaurant and pizza business.

Woodhaven’s menu will feature signature pies, Sicilian square style and New York City style pizzas along with menu staples such as insalatas and pastas.

Woodhaven operating hours will be Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday- Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with daily happy hour 3-5 p.m.

The entrepreneurs expect to be open for business by the end of January.