Casa Capri opens in Sparta
BY LAURIE GORDON
Sparta — Mike Collins, owner of the popular Villa Capri in Newton, has opened a second location in Sparta called Casa Capri.
His partner in the new venture is long-time employee, Timmy Kiester, Jr. Collins opened Villa Capri 18 years ago, and Keisler has been an employee there for 10.
“We talked about someday day opening a restaurant together and someday came,” Collins said. “Thanks to fantastic landlords Mary Jean and Jack Negri, we made a great deal for both parties."
The restaurant is housed in the former space of Anastasia's on Route 15 North. Prior to Anastasia's, the restaurant was called Paparoni's, a staple for many years.
Collins said he was aware of the plans to build a large Shop Rite plaza and other businesses in the near future across from his location on Route 15. “Once Shop Rite comes, there will be a lot more to come too,” Collins said. His only concern is the potential traffic on the two-lane highway there.
A few of the many specialty pizzas offered on the menu inlcude BBQ chicken, buffalo chicken and Brooklyn. And a gluten-free option is also avaialble.
There is also a wide selection of appetizers, pastas, burgers, paninis, subs and wraps. An array of chicken, shrimp, eggplant and veal entrees round out the menu.
An $8 lunch menu is featured daily, and on Sundays and Mondays, a large pizza costs $8.99.
Collins emphasizes that Casa Capri is a full-service restaurant with an extensive menu.
“Casa Capri isn't just a pizza shop" he said. "It's a restaurant on one side with high quality, fresh food where people can sit down and enjoy a meal. The pizzeria on the other side offers the same attention to quality.”
For those who like wine or beer with their meal, Casa Capri is BYOB, “It's the kind of restaurant where you can come to enjoy a good meal and make it as casual or formal as you want,” Collins said. Either he or Keisler are always there to welcome guests from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days a week.
Casa Capri could not have come to fruition without the help and support of Collins' wife Brittany.
“She's amazing and has basically taken over running Villa Capri so I could focus on Casa Capri,” he said.
Brittany has worked together with Collins for 15 years and knows the business well. "She does a great job along with Chef Tim," he said.
Kiesler's wife, Nicole, has also been an integral part of the Casa Capri creation.
Last weekend's grand opening saw an overwhelming response as old customers and new showed their support.
On Friday, Sparta's Mayor Jerry Murphy conducted a ribbon-cutting, followed by an appearance by Sussex Technical cheerleaders on Saturday who welcomed in the crowds.
Fun give-aways and specials helped introduce the public to the new Casa Capri location.
"It was overwhelming the number of people who came out to support the new business,” Collins said. “We are very grateful."
Kiesler and Collins said they put a lot of hard work into the renovations, and that it was very satisfying to see all their efforts appreciated during the grand opening weekend.
Collins said he was aware of the plans to build a large Shop Rite plaza and other businesses in the near future across from his location on Route 15. “Once Shop Rite comes, there will be a lot more to come too,” Collins said and with it lots of business for Casa Capri. His only concern is the potential traffic on the two lane highway there.
Kiesler and Collins said they put a lot of hard work into the renovations and that it was very satisfying to see all of the effort so appreciated during the Grand Opening Weekend. The restaurant is BYOB and Collins said, “It's the kind of restaurant where you can come to enjoy a good, high-quality homemade meal and make it as casual or formal as you want.” One or both of the owners are always there and Casa Capri is open seven days of the week from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm