George Kouros stands outside his new restaurant and pizzeria, Stefko Pizza, at 2115 Stefko Boulevard, Bethlehem.
Thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of a Saucon Valley graduate residents of the Bethlehem area have a new dining option for pizza, steak sandwiches, hoagies, gyros, burgers, wraps, pasta entrees, salads, wings, house-made Italian and Greek desserts and more.
Stefko Pizza–which opened Sept. 1 at 2115 Stefko Boulevard–is the first business owned by Hellertown resident George Kouros, although he has worked in pizzerias and restaurants in the New York area for years.
Kouros moved from New York to the Saucon Valley as a child and still calls the area home along with many of his family members–including the former owners of Antonio’s Pizza in Hellertown, his aunt and uncle, John and Irene Papageorgiou.
The inside of Stefko Pizza features comfortable booth seating, a TV and a counter area where pizzas are displayed.
The fulfillment of a dream, Kouros said his purchase of the former Drake’s Pizza was from a family friend who also operated El Greco’s Pizza along the Stefko strip for many years.
It’s the 40-year-old El Greco pizza recipe that he’s using to make his pies, which are in the New York tradition and feature a special sauce that’s helped make them locally famous over the years.
In addition to the pizza recipe, the menu at Stefko Pizza incorporates all of the favorites customers of Drake’s were used to.
When longtime customers come in, “we explain that everything is still the same,” he said.
Kouros has added a gourmet pizza section–which features special pizzas such as Bruschetta and Chicken Caesar–as well as expanded the dinner menu to include more entrees.
A popular weekday lunch special, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is two plain slices and a can of soda for $3.50 plus tax.
For larger parties, the “Real Deal” special that includes two large pizzas (one plain and one with a topping) for $18.99 plus tax has also been a hit.
A popular meal deal, the “Real Deal” features two large pizzas–one plain, one with a topping–for $18.99.
Overall, Stefko Pizza’s prices are more than competitive, Kouros said.
“We’re cheaper by a few bucks, which is a big deal for a pizzeria,” he noted.
Stefko Pizza employs two people besides Kouros and features both inside and outside seating. Along the side of the building are picnic tables with large umbrellas.
During good weather, picnic table seating is available along the side of Stefko Pizza.
There’s abundant parking in front of and next to the restaurant, which offers takeout and delivery to most of the Bethlehem area, including Bethlehem Township, Freemansburg and Steel City. Kouros said Saucon Valley residents should inquire about delivery when they call. Depending on the size of an order, he will deliver to Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township and beyond.
Catering is also available, with a menu that includes a variety of Italian party trays.
There is plenty of parking at Stefko Pizza in Bethlehem.
Stefko Pizza is BYOB, although eventually Kouros said he hopes to obtain a liquor license for the restaurant.
The restaurant, which offers free wifi, accepts all major credit cards.
It is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, visit the Stefko Pizza website, follow the business on Facebook and Instagram or call 610-419-0574.
A chicken gyro from Stefko Pizza
A pepperoni Sicilian pie from Stefko Pizza
Cheese tortellini alfredo with chicken from Stefko Pizza
The fresh mozzarella salad from Stefko Pizza features orange pieces and can be topped with grilled chicken.
A taco pie is one of many types of gourmet pizza available at Stefko Pizza.
