New Restaurant, Pizzeria to Open in April

Come next month, pizza-lovers will have another Hatboro eatery to choose from for the favored Italian staple.

Manja Gourmet, a family-owned and operated business, will be located at 332 S. York Road, at the site of the former Quig's Pizza.

"We're hopefully opening April 2," co-owner Anastasia Sampaio said. She and her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law will be running Manja Gourmet.

The restaurant is undergoing some interior construction, and Sampaio said they can't open until that is finished and until the health department gives the go ahead.

The previous restaurant that sat there,  and , which left the business severely damaged. Though Quig's experienced flood damage, forcing the family-owned eatery to  earlier this year, the thought of future flooding hasn't caused too much concern for the Sampaios.

"We got flood insurance, that was a must," Sampaio said. "But we decided to take the chance, because we love the town and the location. It's right where we wanted to be."

In an interview with the former tenants of the building after the hurricane damage, Amy Quigley said that the landlord was going to have to gut all the walls. Sampaio confirmed that all of the necessary improvements were done before they chose the location.

"Everything was pretty much done when we came in," she said. "The only stuff we had to do was cosmetic. We put in a new counter top and little knicks and knacks and things."

The Sampaios continue to put the finishing touches on the design, but the menu is already complete. Manja Gourmet will offer take out and delivery as well as dine in service.

"Our menu is a little different," Sampaio said.

One item in particular that she thinks is unique to Manja is stuffed pizza. In addition to those and classic pies, the restaurant will feature paninis, pastas, meats and salads, all made with fresh ingredients, Sampaio said.

Though the restaurant and pizzeria will not serve alcohol, it will operate as a BYOB.

"Guests should feel free to bring their own wine," Sampaio said.

To top it off, there will be no corking fee, she said.

Not having a full-service bar will also add to the family-friendly environment that the Sampaios hope to achieve. Since the restaurant is family run, Sampaio added that they hope to attract families too, and people who just want to enjoy a nice meal in a family-friendly atmosphere.

"We are very family oriented and want it to be a fun environment," she said. "Come in and relax and bring the kids...sit down and have a nice meal... or order take out if you are in a hurry."