As a 7-year-old boy, Pasquale LoDuca would stand on an overturned iced-tea crate so he was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter of his father’s Italian restaurant, where he would slice mozzarella cheese for the pizzas, and dream of owning his own restaurant someday.
He grew up to work in his uncle’s restaurant — LoDuca’s along Route 183 in Cressona — still wanting to own his own place, but not able to find the right spot.
So when his uncle, Mario LoDuca, recently put that restaurant up for sale, Pasquale saw his opportunity, and in late January took ownership.
“It’s staying in the family,” he said of LoDuca’s.
LoDuca’s Italian Restaurant in Cressona now has a new owner. (MICHAEL URBAN/STAFF PHOTO)
But while the 23-year-old has realized his ownership dream, he realizes that his work has just begun when it comes to pleasing the restaurant’s new and its longtime customers with his Italian dinners, pasta, pizza, and subs, he said.
So far it’s going well, judging by the feedback and reviews LoDuca’s has been getting since he took over and updated the menu, he said.
And in that way he’s following in the footsteps of his father, Sal LoDuca, who for decades has owned and operated Marco’s restaurant in Lansford.
Pasquale LoDuca, the new owner of LoDuca’s Italian Restaurant in Cressona, prepares a pizza. (MICHAEL URBAN/STAFF PHOTO)
“For years I’ve seen my dad making everyone happy with his food, and so far we’re doing that here too,” he said. “It warms your heart to see. We want to keep doing that moving forward.”
LoDuca’s has seating both at tables and at its small bar inside, and when spring arrives so will its dining deck, which sits above the creek that runs parallel to Route 183, also known as Chestnut Street.
The restaurant also offers delivery by its own drivers, and through DoorDash and other delivery services.
The menu contains Italian staples such as lasagna, baked ziti and ravioli, along with chef specialties such as Pasta Pasquale, which is cavatelli, cherry tomatoes and crabmeat in a vodka cream sauce.
Among the new specials the restaurant is rotating are lobster ravioli and bruschetta salmon, which Pasquale said has been very popular. There are also rotating appetizers, such as the current bacon wrapped shrimp and sausage stuffed peppers.
The current specials at LoDuca’s Italian Restaurant in Cressona. (MICHAEL URBAN/STAFF PHOTO)
Along with traditional and Sicilian pizzas, there are 15 specialty pizzas, including Philly cheesesteak, chicken parmesan and chicken, bacon and ranch, and also eight types of strombolis, a dozen salads, steak, seafood, chicken and veal meals, and a variety of hot and cold subs, paninis, wraps and steak sandwiches.
Beer and mixed drinks are available.
LoDuca’s works to provide a family atmosphere where customers will want to return, Pasquale said.
“Come in, take your time, relax, and enjoy our food,” he said.
Pasquale LoDuca, the new owner of LoDuca’s Italian Restaurant in Cressona, makes a pizza. (MICHAEL URBAN/STAFF PHOTO)
The address is 50 Chestnut Street in Cressona, and there is a parking lot onsite.
Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 11:30 to 9, and closed Tuesdays.
For more information or to order, call (570)-385-1177, or go to loducasrestaurant.com.
Dining and Cooking