What’s Good Here? Schiano’s in Forest Acres
What’s good here?
The authentic Italian dishes served at Schiano’s are made from scratch and cooked to order. Even the pizza crust. “I eat a slice of pizza every day and make sure I am always tasting everything and making sure all is up to speed,” says owner Frank A. Schiano.
Pizzas can be made to order, or get specialty pizzas such as Spinach White Pizza or Hawaiian with ham, pineapple and extra cheese.
The marinara sauce is freshly made and full of flavor. The footlong bread is smothered with provolone and Romano cheeses and served with the sauce. Some of the entrees include a penne with four cheeses and chicken cacciatore – which is chicken, peppers, onions and the housemade marinara sauce. There are pastas with Alfredo sauce and a dish with a clam sauce. Schiano’s also has dishes with Italian sausage or meatballs. There are calzones and strombolis, Cannelloni or ice cream.
How did Shiano’s get its start?
Schiano says his family started the business in 1965 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and brought the recipes south with a focus on mall venues. However, when the site across from Trenholm Plaza on Forest Drive became available, he decided the Schiano’s concept of an old-fashioned neighborhood-style restaurant lent itself to the location. He eventually purchased the building and has set down roots. Besides dine-in and carry-out, Schiano’s has begun offering catering for all types of events. Schiano has a partner, a cousin, in ownership at another Schiano’s location on Two Notch Road.
What does the place look like?
Customers order at the entryway counter, and the food is brought hot to the tables. Televisions provide viewing for those who want to enjoy sports while they eat; there are booths and tables small enough for dates and large enough for families. A deck provides some outdoor seating – weather permitting. Seating is for up to 50.
Who eats here?
Schiano’s draws mostly customers from the Forest Acres neighborhoods, as well as those stationed at or visiting Fort Jackson.
Schiano’s Fast Casual Italian
4839 Forest Drive, Columbia
PRICES: Pizzas and entrees are less than $20.
HOURS: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
INFO: (803) 787-0060; www.facebook.com/schianosfastcasualitalian.