Renato’s Pizzaria is opening for business this Friday. The new restaurant is located at 2601 Jenkintown Road, the former site of KNJ Pizza and Hana’s Kitchen & Pizzaria.

Renato Estrada, a name familiar to many area residents, is the owner. He took over head chef responsibilities at Jerzee’s in 2009, and helped the sports bar establish a popular food presence around town.

“That’s my menu, that’s my food. I helped them start delivery options,” he said. “A rare opportunity came up with this location, and I took it.”

The pizzaria has a dedicated restaurant space as well as takeout and delivery options. The menu will be mostly Italian with all the classics: Wraps, hoagies, cheesesteaks, and, of course, pizza.

Negotiations with Abington Township began in October. The interior is finished and ready to go and the first shipment of food will be arriving on Thursday.

“I brought my father and my mother to help me with the set up process. They’ve been helping me with the painting, decorating. My father and I did most of the set up and design,” he said.

Originally from Guatemala, the restauranteur has worked 6-7 days a week for more than a decade to get to this point.

“I’ve been connected to Glenside for the last 20 years, and this is an amazing opportunity to give back to the people. Anyone who knew my food from Jerzee’s will know who I am and what this place is going to be about,” he said.

“I’ll be offering lower prices than most shops in the area, and I can do that because I won’t have many staff expenses. I’m going to work myself hard,” Renato said.

For more on Renato’s Pizzaria, you can check out their Facebook page and website, which will be launched soon.

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