Geppeto’s celebrates 35 years in Downtown Newton
Neal Powell, wife Angela, and two sons, Caleb and Jacob, opened Geppeto’s in 1988 at their location on College Avenue. They were able to expand to the other side of the building in 1992. Geppeto’s continued to grow, opening a restaurant in Hickory in 1997 and Denver in 2008.
Specializing in pizza, calzones, subs, salads, and pastas, Geppeto’s has a family atmosphere and includes original recipes with fresh, made from scratch dough, meatballs, and sauces. “Making it great since 1988!” is their slogan commemorating the 35th anniversary of opening.
Neal Powell, owner of Geppeto’s, was born and lived most of his life in Newton. With a combination of experience and seeing a need for an Italian restaurant downtown, he opened Geppeto’s when he was 25 years old.
“It was my hometown, and I always loved Downtown Newton. I thought, ‘maybe I oughta open a pizza place,” shared Powell.
Powell discussed business since the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they were able to navigate shortages, price increases, and the dining room being closed.
“It’s been challenging these last couple of years. I have good staff and partners who work with me. It is starting to get a little better; shortages are lessening up,” said Powell. “We’re getting back to some kind of normal. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting there.”
Hospitality, family, and quality are their foundation. They uphold the same recipes since their inception, and food is prepared when it is ordered to ensure freshness. Each location is run by a different family member. His sons Caleb and Jacob manage the Denver and Hickory locations, respectively, and have worked for Geppeto’s since they were 15 years old. His wife, Angela, is Human Resources and runs much of the business side of the restaurants. A cornerstone of their business is also to buy as much as possible from local providers–from their cash register tape and insurance, to ingredients to prepare their food.
“Newton has always been a wonderful community to me; there is no place like it in the world. Same with Hickory and Denver–we have become a part of the community of each location,” stated Powell.
Geppeto’s does delivery, pickup, and online ordering. They are open Monday-Saturday from 11am-9pm, and closed on Sunday.
The Downtown Newton location of Geppeto’s is 114 N College Ave.
For more information visit https://geppetospizza.com or (828) 464-7833.