HAMPTON — When Joe Kelley was studying for an accounting degree at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York, he found that one of his professors owned a pizza parlor in New York City. After explaining his interest in owning and operating his own shop, the professor arranged to have Joe work in his shop and learn all the secrets of making a great pizza in the "Big Apple."

Upon graduation, Joe and his brother Zack returned to Hampton Beach where they had visited with their family during summer vacations. They opened Joe's Pizza at the beach and have run a successful summer operation for three years incorporating what Joe had learned in New York.

When the brothers Kelley heard of the vacancy of a former used car dealer's office building on Lafayette Road, just south of the railroad over-pass coming into town, they investigated and were convinced that they could operate in the building and that it would be a good location with easy access for customers eating in or taking out pizza.

With a lot of hard work, the building was converted into a pizza kitchen and 20-seat restaurant. An additional room would provide for expansion, adding 24 seats and a bar where they could sell beer and wine and possibly have a few video games.

The shop celebrated its grand opening in September 1998. The brothers Kelley pride themselves on making their own dough for the crispy crust pies and using the very best products that they can find. They buy pure mozzarella cheese by the block and shave it themselves, using real mushrooms and fresh toppings that they often buy daily.

Special pies that are not common in the chain-type pizza shops will be available daily, as will single slices. Several of the specialties are a meat pie with hamburger, pepperoni, sausage and bacon; another is a super veggie pie loaded with crisp fresh vegetables. Joe's also carries a white pizza, made without tomato sauce that is often found in upscale Italian restaurants as an appetizer.

With a base of faithful customers from the beach, the Kelley's plan to use the same formula for success — fresh homemade crust and the best available toppings and cheeses. Joe and Zack guarantee a fresh, hot thin-crust pie guaranteed to satisfy every tastebud, and each pie served is larger than standard size, with the large measuring 19" and the small, 16". Sounds like a good idea to head to Joe's New York Pizza with a BIG appetite.

Joe's New York Pizza is located at 888 Lafayette Road, next to Florida Casuals and just a few feet from the Hampton/North Hampton railroad overpass (Brown's Bridge). There is plenty of parking and it is handicapped accessible. To place an order, call 926-6300.