Gerard's Italian Pizza & Subs in South Carolina — What to Order and Where to Find Them

What Gerard's Italian Pizza & Subs Serves

Gerard's Italian Pizza & Subs makes Sicilian-style pizza and Italian sandwiches from scratch, with a focus on traditional recipes and quality ingredients. The menu centers on thick-crust pizza baked in a deck oven, submarine sandwiches built on house-made bread, and Italian entrees like lasagna and chicken parmigiana. Most locations also offer calzones, stromboli, and pasta dishes that reflect the owner's family recipes from Italy.

The signature item is the Sicilian pizza — a rectangular, airy crust with a crispy bottom and generous toppings. Unlike thin-crust New York-style pizza, Sicilian pizza has more bread and air, which changes how it tastes and how long it stays fresh. Gerard's versions come topped with traditional combinations like sausage and peppers, or custom combinations you can request.

Subs at Gerard's are built on bread baked daily in-house, which sets them apart from chains that ship in pre-made rolls. The Italian sub, meatball sub, and chicken cutlet sub are the most ordered, though the menu includes vegetarian options and specialty sandwiches that rotate by location.

Key Takeaways

• Gerard's makes Sicilian-style pizza with a thick, airy crust and bakes it fresh in a deck oven, not a conveyor belt.
• All submarine sandwiches are built on bread baked daily at the restaurant, which affects both flavor and how long the sandwich stays good.
• Most Gerard's locations are independently owned and operated, so menu items and hours vary between restaurants.
• The restaurant is best for eating in or taking out; delivery is available at some locations but not all.

Where Gerard's Locations Are in South Carolina

Gerard's has multiple locations across South Carolina, with the largest concentration in the Lowcountry and around Charleston. Each location is independently owned, which means the specific menu, hours, and services differ from one restaurant to the next. Some locations have full dining rooms; others operate primarily as takeout counters.

The original Gerard's opened decades ago and built a reputation for consistency and quality that has carried through to newer locations. Because ownership varies, it is worth calling ahead to confirm hours, whether they are taking orders, and what specials they are running that week. Some locations close on Sundays or Mondays, while others stay open seven days.

You can search online for "Gerard's Italian Pizza near me" to find the closest location and get their phone number and hours. Google Maps and the restaurant's social media pages often list current specials and any temporary closures.

How to Order and What to Expect

Most Gerard's locations take orders by phone, in person, or through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats — though not every location uses every method. Calling ahead is the fastest way to order, especially during peak dinner hours (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), because you can ask questions about toppings, bread options, and daily specials without waiting in line.

Pickup usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the kitchen is and what you ordered. Pizza takes longer than subs because it has to bake in the oven. If you order a large group order or catering, call at least a day ahead so the kitchen can plan for the volume.

Delivery times vary by location and how far you are from the restaurant. Some locations deliver within a 3-mile radius; others go farther. If you order through a third-party app, the app will show you the estimated delivery time and any fees the app charges on top of the restaurant's prices.

Pricing and What You Get for Your Money

A large Sicilian pizza typically costs between $18 and $28, depending on toppings and location. A large round pizza costs slightly less. Specialty pizzas with multiple toppings cost more than cheese or single-topping versions. Most locations offer small, medium, and large sizes, and some offer half-sheet or full-sheet options for groups or catering.

Submarine sandwiches range from about $8 to $14 for a regular (usually 8 inches) and $12 to $18 for a large (usually 12 inches). Combo meals that include a sandwich, drink, and chips or a side are sometimes available at a small discount. Entrees like lasagna or chicken parm run $12 to $16 and usually come with a side salad or bread.

Prices vary between locations because each owner sets their own, so it is worth checking the menu online or calling to confirm current pricing before you order. Some locations offer daily specials — like a discount on certain pizzas on certain days — that are not advertised online.

What Makes Gerard's Different From Chain Pizza

Gerard's is family-owned and operated, not a franchise backed by a national corporation. This means the recipes, ingredient sourcing, and quality standards come from the owner's personal standards rather than a corporate manual. Many owners have family ties to Italy or grew up in Italian-American households, which shapes how they approach the food.

The bread and dough are made fresh daily on-site, not shipped frozen from a central bakery. This affects the taste, texture, and how the pizza and subs hold up over time. A Gerard's pizza eaten the same day tastes different from the same pizza eaten the next day — the crust stays crispy longer because it was baked fresh, not pre-baked and reheated.

The Sicilian-style crust is thicker and airier than the thin crust you get at most national chains, which appeals to people who want more bread and a different eating experience. The toppings are also typically more generous, and the sauce is often made from recipes that have been in the family for generations.

Tips for Getting the Best Experience

Order during off-peak hours (before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m.) if you want faster service and a fresher pizza. The kitchen is less rushed, and your order gets more attention. If you are ordering during dinner rush, expect to wait longer and plan accordingly.

Ask about the daily special when you call. Many Gerard's locations run specials on certain pizzas or sandwiches on certain days of the week, and these are not always posted online. You might save $3 to $5 by ordering the special instead of a regular menu item.

If you are ordering a large group order or catering, call the restaurant directly instead of using a delivery app. You will get better pricing, faster service, and the ability to customize items. Many locations offer catering platters of pizza, subs, and sides that are designed for groups.

Eat Sicilian pizza the same day you buy it if possible. The crust stays crispy for about 24 hours if stored in a paper box at room temperature, but it is best fresh. Subs are also best eaten within a few hours of purchase, especially if they have wet toppings like sauce or oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gerard's deliver, and how much does it cost?

Some Gerard's locations deliver through third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and some deliver directly if you call the restaurant. Delivery fees vary by location and distance. Call your nearest Gerard's to ask whether they deliver to your address and what the fee is.

Can I order Gerard's for a party or catering event?

Yes. Most locations offer catering and can prepare large orders of pizza, subs, and sides for groups. Call at least one day ahead to discuss your needs, group size, and budget. The restaurant can often customize platters and offer pricing that is better than ordering individual items.

What is the difference between Sicilian and regular pizza at Gerard's?

Sicilian pizza has a thicker, airier crust and is baked in a rectangular pan. Regular pizza has a thinner crust and is round. Sicilian pizza has more bread and stays crispy longer. Both are baked fresh in a deck oven, but they offer different textures and eating experiences.

Are there vegetarian options on the menu?

Yes. You can order cheese pizza, veggie pizza with peppers and onions, or vegetarian subs. Call your location to ask what vegetarian options they have, since menus vary by restaurant.

How long does it take to get my order?

Pickup usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the kitchen is. Delivery takes longer and depends on how far you are from the restaurant. Call ahead to ask for an estimate based on what you are ordering and current wait times.