Santa Lucia Pizza is now open at 31 Main Street in Niverville. After renovation and utility hook-up delays, the takeout pizza place has been steadily busy.
“You have no idea what it takes to get something like this built,” said co-owner Dean Delorme before opening. “I was that guy. I had no idea. I’ve ran the stores. I’ve worked in the stores. But starting from scratch, it’s a lot.”
Delorme has a close friendship with fellow co-owner Kosmas Simeonidis. The Simeonidis family founded the Santa Lucia Pizza chain, which won Consumer Choice Award for Best Restaurant–Pizza Company in 2023.
Delorme, who lives nearby in Mitchell, brings with him 15 years in restaurant experience and had been considering retirement from construction when the opportunity came to join his friend’s pizza business.
“I told my friend Kos I was going to retire early, and he said, ‘I’ve got a better idea,’” says Delorme.
After some research, the friends decided that Niverville would be the next location of a new takeout and delivery Santa Lucia location.
“It’s a beautiful growing town that feels like family,” says Delorme. “And Santa Lucia, we’re really one of the last mom-and-pop type shops left in Manitoba. We make everything from scratch and do prep the night before. We source our own meats and even make our own sausage called Brokenhead Sausage. It’s a family. We’re like family.”
Delorme is excited to become more involved in the community. Prior to opening the location on Main Street, he operated a Santa Lucia kiosk at Niverville Nighthawks game nights at the CRRC.
He now hopes to begin local pizza lunch programs where they’re needed in town, and more. He says the Simeonidis family has a history of giving to local charitable organizations and they are looking forward to contributing community support wherever it is needed.
Meat, deli, and speciality foods will also be available at the location. Delorme invites everyone to come in for pizza and also check out the display cases for any meats and incidentals customers may be looking for.
There will be minimal seating for those who want to buy a slice and eat in. When the weather turns nice, they plan to have patio seating and host a grand opening event for the community.
While Main Street parking may be limited, Delorme wants to remind visitors that there is ample parking in the back of the building.
