A New Pizza Option in Clinton with Authentic Italian Flare    

It’s a small storefront but it’s packed with flavor and flair and on day two of a soft opening they were busy. Very busy.

Gerard’s Italian Pizza & Subs opened on Tuesday at 23195 Hwy 76 E Suite B and the Buzz stopped by to check it out. We were greeted at the door by owner Gerard Dougherty and the conversation that followed was delightful.

Here’s what we learned…

The pizzeria business runs in the family including Dougherty’s grandfather, uncles, father and now himself and eight of his nine kids. Yes, this is truly a family business.

Born and raised in New York, Dougherty and his family moved to the Upstate 21 years ago when his father retired in this area and the family followed him here.

But why Clinton? “Clinton is a growing city in need of real Italian pizza and other dishes,” said Dougherty. “Everything we make is homemade and authentically Italian.”

The menu includes pizzas, subs, calzones, pasta, salads, and side dishes. Everything is homemade and gluten free pizza crust is also an option. The pizzas are getting rave reviews, but the subs are not to be ignored. The chicken parmesan sub has some fans already. One customer ordered the sandwich to go and after tasting it, came back to get another one for lunch the next day.

“I am blessed to be here and to provide the authentic Italian food cooked from the heart,” said Dougherty. “I like to make people happy, and our food does that. We welcome people with a smile and fill their tummy with goodness.”

Gerard’s Italian Pizza & Subs is open seven days a week from 11 am to 11 pm. They have a small dine-in area (with plans to add outside seating), carry-out and delivery. You can check out their menu and other information by following them on Facebook. Click HERE to check them out.

But wait, there’s more.

During our sit down with Gerard we learned that this is not Dougherty’s first business.

He has a limo and shuttle service, Always Available Limousine & Shuttle Service, that he has run for 4 years, having worked in this industry for ten years. If you need a ride to doctor appointments, to the airport, or just for a fun night out with friends (think limo or party bus) check them out (864-202-5259). This business is currently based out of Greenville, but plans are to move it to Clinton next door to the pizzeria.

But that’s not all. Dougherty and family have more plans for the Clinton community.

In the back of the building that is home to the pizzeria, they plan to open a karaoke pool room with a sports flare.

Stay tuned for more updates and Buon Appetito!