Falling in Love With Pizza: The Story Behind Squares & Fare in Somers Point
By Kristen Dowd
Squares & Fare
When Dominic and Joanne Russo went to Italy on their honeymoon in 2015, the South Jersey natives fell in love with the food—especially the pizza. It was clean, refreshing, and made with the freshest ingredients.
“We just loved it,” Joanne said.
But when they returned home, nothing quite compared. So, they decided to make it themselves.
“Dominic started playing around in our kitchen making pizzas,” Joanne explained. “He grew up making pizzas every Friday night with his dad, and he just kind of went from there. He just kept perfecting his dough recipe.”
That passion became Squares & Fare, the artisanal pizza shop now buzzing on New Jersey Avenue in Somers Point. But before it had a storefront, its pizzas were coming straight out of the Russos’ Egg Harbor Township kitchen.
“It grew organically,” Joanne said. “I came home one day, and Dominic said, ‘Oh, I got a couple people picking up a pizza.’ This was during COVID. We were home. Dominic had the time. And the business just kind of exploded. We were doing 10 pizza days a month with about 10 pies a day.”
As word spread, it became clear the Russos had something special. Opening a brick-and-mortar shop was the obvious next step, and Squares & Fare officially opened in Somers Point around Thanksgiving of last year, thanks to the support of business partners Eric Lemonides and Lee Felty.
Business has been booming ever since. Joanne sat down with Ocean City Magazine to share more about the journey—and, of course, the delicious pies.
One Year In: How Has the Reception Been?
“It’s been great,” Joanne said. “Every month people are very excited to see what new flavors we’re coming up with.”
Squares & Fare currently focuses solely on pizza—six pies the couple has perfected.
“Dominic is very particular about his craft. He’d rather have less quantity and more quality in a pizza.”
Visitors stop in before Somers Point beach concerts, after work or doctor appointments, and even from out of state. “We get people from all over—Philly, New York, even Vermont.”
What’s the Concept Behind Squares & Fare?
“We’re more of an artisanal pizza place,” Joanne said. “We only use the best, freshest ingredients.”
Their garden provides herbs, and Jersey fresh tomatoes star in several pies. They use high-quality California olive oil, and every ingredient is selected carefully.
But the true standout? The dough.
Dominic has developed a multi-step process that results in a crust that’s light, fluffy, crunchy, cheesy, and buttery. It resembles a Sicilian pie but leans more Detroit-style—though truly, it’s uniquely Dominic’s creation.
The Six Signature Pies
Squares & Fare keeps the menu focused, but each flavor packs a punch.
Traditional
Jersey fresh tomato sauce, California olive oil, mozzarella, parmigiano, and fresh oregano (or basil when in season).
Vodka
House-made vodka sauce (Jersey tomatoes, heavy cream, vodka), parmigiano, mozzarella, and cracked peppercorn.
Verdissimo
A white pie with roasted garlic cream sauce, artichokes, spinach, mozzarella, and a finish of bright lemon zest.
Modern Pep
Cup n’ crisp pepperoni, Jersey tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Calabrian chili salt.
Vodka-Roni (house favorite)
Bite-size cup n’ crisp pepperoni, vodka sauce, and mozzarella.
Black Truffle
A luxurious vodka base topped with mozzarella, dollops of burrata, and drizzled with truffle sauce.
“It’s actually my personal favorite,” Joanne added.
What Are Customers Ordering Most?
First-time visitors tend to order the Traditional, the pie Dominic is known for—featured in Pizzapedia by Jim Mumford. But many come specifically seeking the Vodka-Roni.
“It’s unlike any other flavor around,” Joanne said.
Will the Menu Expand?
“Absolutely,” Joanne shared. The couple has no formal culinary background—just family traditions, curiosity, and experimentation.
They previously made cookies from home, which may return. And new pies are likely on the way as the team continues to grow slowly and intentionally.
Dining In and Slices
“Yes, we have a few tables inside,” Joanne confirmed. “People can call in advance for a party of six, and with a little notice we can arrange it.”
Slices were added recently and have been a hit.
“For people who play it safe waiting for a Traditional pie, they can grab a slice of something different while they wait.”
How to Order
Squares & Fare uses the online booking system they developed during their home-kitchen days.
- New weekly slots release every Sunday night.
- Fridays and Saturdays book up fastest.
- Walk-ins sometimes secure later availability.
- Online ordering is easiest, but phone orders are accepted.
During summer, demand skyrockets—so booking ahead is wise.
The Most Rewarding Part of the Journey
“Ever since I met Dominic, he’s always been creative and talented,” Joanne said. “He has been able to blossom with those talents and put them to use. And now he’s getting recognized for it.”
Watching Dominic transform what was “pretty much just a laundromat of a building” into a thriving, inspiring pizza shop has been the most meaningful part of the experience.
Their daughters, Viviana (7) and Sophia (5), get to see firsthand what dedication looks like.
“I’m so proud of Dominic and what he’s accomplished,” she said.
Visit Squares & Fare
Address: 7 E. New Jersey Avenue, Somers Point
Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 4–8 p.m.
- Friday: 3–9 p.m.
- Sunday: 1–9 p.m. (Check website for any seasonal changes.)
Website: squaresandfare.com
Instagram: @squaresandfare
Phone: (609) 404-8790
Order your pie online or call the shop to reserve your spot.