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the multigenerational families eating together, with grandparents passing on the tradition to their grandchildren," says Jonathan. "There's a lot of loyalty and nostalgia involved. People get attached to our pizza and won't go anywhere else; they're tasting memories." Cape Cod Cafe's longstanding legacy has been a source of inspiration for the family during the challenges that the coronavirus has brought. Jonathan says, "My grandfather opened this place after World War II, and I'm sure he had his own business struggles. This pandemic was the worst thing a restaurant could face, and I said, well, this is our struggle to go through. If we can survive this, then we'll be okay for a long time." Cape Cod Cafe has done a fantastic job taking COVID-19 precautions and ensuring the safety of its employees and customers. When it had to close its doors during the pandemic shutdown, its loyal customers stocked up on their frozen pizza that is available at major grocery stores. People were buying so many frozen pizzas that Cape Cod Cafe had to triple their production. "There are no special procedures or chemicals involved in making our frozen pizzas," says Jonathan. "They are exactly the same as our restaurant pizzas; they're just put into a freezer." Cape Cod Cafe first came up with the frozen pizza idea during the recession in 2008, when people were dining out less. Mom and pop shops started carrying them, as well as Trucchi's. Soon, grocery chains such as Roche Brothers, Market Basket, Shaw's, Big Y and Stop & Shop were eager to carry the pizzas in their stores, but some wanted Cape Cod Cafe to change their packaging from its signature clear, fresh-sealed bag to a pizza box. "We said no way," Jonathan recalls. "Companies have to put pictures of pizzas on boxes so you know what's inside. With our package, you don't need a picture because you see exactly what you're getting. They also fit easily into the freezer as opposed to bulky boxes, so you can have plenty on hand. They're great to have after school, after work, or when you're busy running kids to their sports; they're just quick and easy." For a summertime treat, Cape Cod Cafe frozen pizzas can be barbecued: throw them on your grill for ten minutes and your pizza is ready. With four locations and a major grocery store distribution that is now expanding into upstate New York, Cape Cod Cafe has plenty to manage. Still, the Jamoulis family keeps their focus on continuing their 80 year commitment to quality. "First and foremost are making the pizza right and making the customers happy," says Jonathan. "We don't cut corners and we take pride in the fact that when you eat our pizza, someone made it for you by hand." Cape Cod Cafe's Brockton, Raynham, Bridgewater and Halifax locations are all open. For more about Cape Cod Cafe, visit www. capecodcafepizza.com. 31 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com