Best Italian Restaurant

5th Street Pizza

1223 W. McDermott Drive

Allen 75013

972-396-5557

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After an April 25 break-in at 5th Street Pizza, the owners, Jeff and Mary Gamache, and staff wanted to thank their customers and business neighbors for “their loyalty and support.”

“Our customers helped pull us out of this terrible situation by patronizing our establishment and sending e-mails at our Web site with words of encouragement and support. Our customers are like family and our comeback is proof of that,” said Jeff Gamache.

5th Street Pizza was named after a favorite restaurant of Jeff’s in St. Charles, Mo., located at 5th Street and First Capital. After nearly 20 years of working and saving, the Gamaches opened the restaurant in September 2006.

The family-oriented atmosphere, decorated with sports memorabilia and 1970s and 1980s records adorning the walls, incorporates games like Trivia, Yahtzee and playing cards for patrons.

A frequent customer loaned a Lego guitar he put together to the restaurant that is, “a one of a kind, as far as we know, and it works,” Jeff said.

Some of the customers have made donations of art and pictures, which add to the atmosphere of the restaurant, he said. “Thankfully, these items weren’t touched with the break-in. They are sentimental to us and are great conversation pieces, too.”

The newest item displayed is the rock used to break in. It sports a smiley face with a pirate bandana to remind the customers at 5th Street Pizza to never let their guard down.

“We all have to keep an eye out for each other, and always be a supporting and active member in your community. When you give of yourself to your neighbors, you will be rewarded in ways you cannot fully measure. Always pursue your dreams, smile a lot and never, ever give up,” Jeff said.

“To all of our returning customers, we thank you!” Jeff said. “To all of our potential customers, come join the family at 5th Street Pizza.”

5th Street Pizza offers three different styles of pizza, including St. Louis Thin Style, Chicago Thin Style and Italian Hand-Tossed. The restaurant also offers a variety of other tasty menu items.

Information provided by Jeff Gamache, owner of 5th Street Pizza, located at the southeast corner of Alma and McDermott Roads.