So, here's the thing. A calzone restaurant is coming to Tampa's SoHo neighborhood, and we're getting a little emotional.
D.P. Dough, a national restaurant chain founded by mother-and-son duo Dan and Penny Haley in the 1980s, plans to debut at 500 S. Howard Ave. — in the same plaza as Pita Pit and SoHo Juice Co. — this summer.
Though the menu offers an impressive selection of tater tots, "stix" (including cinnamon and pesto), wings and fresh cookies baked in-house, it's driven by those cheesy pockets of goodness that are calzones. The place is so serious about these pizza alternatives that regular ol' pies aren't even offered.
The standard lineup features more than 20 kinds of calzones, ranging from classic to meaty to veggie to create-your-own. Targeting college students, die-hard pizza lovers and the young at heart, the Passing Zone (breaded chicken, bacon, tomatoes, ranch, mozzarella), Spinner Zone (spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic) and Danger Zone (hamburger, Cheddar, onions, hot sauce, taco seasoning) are among the highlights.
Patrons know to ask D.P. Dough staff to "hook it up" if they want their crust flavored with toppings such as garlic or a Parmesan-Italian mix.
The Ohio-based brand, sold in 2011 to D.P. Dough Franchising, which is mainly owned by Matt, Kim and Mark Crumpton, has college-town franchises in states like Colorado, New York, Georgia and Illinois. The SoHo D.P. Dough will stay open "crazy late" for takeout, dine-in and delivery.
