Franks House of Pizza in South Carolina — Wood-Fired Pies and Local Favorites

What Franks House of Pizza Serves and Where to Find It

Franks House of Pizza is a casual pizzeria known for wood-fired pies, Italian sandwiches, and pasta dishes. The restaurant operates in South Carolina with a focus on traditional pizza-making methods and fresh ingredients. The exact location and current hours vary, so calling ahead or checking their social media before visiting ensures you arrive when they're open and can confirm any specials or menu changes.

The menu centers on Neapolitan-style and New York-style pizzas, depending on the location. Beyond pizza, Franks typically offers calzones, stromboli, meatball subs, and pasta entrees. Many locations also serve salads and appetizers like garlic knots or fried calamari. Prices are moderate for a sit-down pizzeria, and most locations offer both dine-in and takeout service.

Key Takeaways

• Franks House of Pizza specializes in wood-fired pizzas made with traditional methods and fresh dough.
• The menu includes Italian sandwiches, calzones, stromboli, and pasta dishes alongside pizza options.
• Most locations offer dine-in seating, takeout, and sometimes delivery through third-party apps.
• Calling ahead or checking their website confirms current hours, location details, and any daily specials.

Wood-Fired Oven Cooking and What That Means for Your Pizza

Wood-fired ovens cook at very high temperatures—often 800 degrees Fahrenheit or higher—which means pizzas bake in just two to three minutes instead of the ten to fifteen minutes a conventional oven requires. This fast, intense heat creates a crust that is crispy on the outside and soft inside, with charred spots that add flavor. The wood smoke also imparts a subtle taste that gas or electric ovens cannot replicate.

At Franks, the wood-fired approach affects not just the final pizza but the dough itself. Pizzerias using this method typically use longer fermentation times and different flour blends to handle the extreme heat. The result is a crust with more complex flavor and better digestibility than mass-produced frozen pizza. If you have never had a true wood-fired pizza, the difference in texture and taste is noticeable from the first bite.

Pizza Styles and Toppings You Can Expect

Franks House of Pizza typically offers both Neapolitan pizzas—thinner, with fewer toppings and often just sauce, cheese, and basil—and heartier New York-style pies with more toppings and a thicker crust. Most locations have signature pizzas on the menu (names and combinations vary by location) as well as a build-your-own option where you choose the sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Common toppings include fresh mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, and fresh basil. Vegetarian and meat-heavy options are usually available. Some locations offer white pizzas (no red sauce) or specialty pies that rotate seasonally. Asking your server or calling ahead about current specials can reveal limited-time offerings not listed on the standard menu.

Beyond Pizza: Sandwiches, Calzones, and Pasta

Italian sandwiches at Franks typically feature cured meats like prosciutto, capicola, or salami, paired with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and house-made or imported oils and vinegars on crusty bread. These are substantial enough for a full meal and often come with a side of marinara for dipping. Stromboli—a rolled sandwich baked until the exterior is crispy—offers a similar flavor profile in a different format.

Calzones are essentially folded pizzas, with the filling sealed inside the dough before baking. They arrive hot and require careful eating to avoid burning your mouth on the filling. Pasta dishes, when offered, usually include classics like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or penne with marinara or Alfredo sauce. These round out the menu for diners who want something other than pizza but still want Italian flavors.

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery Options

Most Franks House of Pizza locations have casual dining rooms with tables for groups of two to six or larger parties. The atmosphere is typically family-friendly and informal—the kind of place where you order at the counter or from a server and eat while your pizza is still hot. Some locations are small and intimate; others are larger and busier, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Takeout is straightforward: order by phone or in person, and your food is boxed and ready within the quoted time. Pizza travels better than you might expect if packed correctly, and most pizzerias use insulated boxes to keep it warm. Delivery through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats may be available depending on location, though ordering directly often results in faster service and sometimes lower fees. Call the restaurant directly to confirm what delivery options they support.

Pricing and What to Budget

A large pizza at a wood-fired pizzeria typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on toppings and location. Specialty or signature pizzas may run higher. Italian sandwiches and calzones usually fall in the $10 to $16 range. Pasta entrees are often $12 to $18. Appetizers like garlic knots or fried calamari run $6 to $10. Drinks and desserts add to the total.

For a family of four, expect to spend $40 to $70 for pizza, drinks, and maybe an appetizer or dessert. Lunch specials or happy-hour pricing may be available at some locations, so asking when you call can save money. Many pizzerias offer discounts for large orders or catering, which is worth exploring if you are feeding a group.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Lunch hours (typically 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are quieter than dinner, making them a good time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Dinner service, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, can have a wait, particularly around 6 to 8 p.m. Weekday evenings are usually moderate. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times helps you plan.

Wood-fired pizzas cook quickly, so even when busy, your food arrives faster than at a conventional restaurant. However, if the oven is at capacity, you may wait for a table or for your order to be called. Bringing children is generally fine; the casual environment and quick service suit families well. If you are celebrating a special occasion, some locations may accommodate requests for custom pizzas or arrangements if you call in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a pizza with no cheese or dairy?

Most pizzerias can make a vegan pizza with tomato sauce and vegetables, though you should call ahead to confirm they have dairy-free cheese or are willing to make a cheese-free pie. Wood-fired ovens work just as well for these options, though the crust may brown differently without cheese to protect it.

Do you need reservations, or is it first-come, first-served?

Most casual pizzerias operate first-come, first-served, but larger groups (eight or more) should call ahead to ensure seating and to give the kitchen a heads-up. Some locations take reservations for parties; others do not. Calling the specific location you plan to visit clarifies their policy.

What is the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?

A calzone is folded in half like a turnover, sealed, and baked until crispy. A stromboli is rolled like a log, sealed at the seam, and baked. Both have filling inside, but the shape and sometimes the sauce presentation differ. Taste and texture are similar; it often comes down to personal preference.

Can I get my pizza well-done or extra crispy?

Yes. Tell your server or the person taking your order that you want it well-done or extra crispy. Wood-fired ovens cook so fast that the kitchen can adjust by leaving it in slightly longer or positioning it differently in the oven. This request is common and easy to accommodate.

Do you offer gluten-free pizza?

Some locations offer gluten-free crusts, but not all. Call ahead to confirm whether the specific Franks location you plan to visit has this option. If they do, mention your need when ordering so the kitchen can prepare it separately to avoid cross-contamination.