Maureen and Fran Marzella

50 years of ongoing passion for their community.

  • 1960's

    Maureen and Fran Marzella

    Marzella's first location had two tables. They sold a one size 12" pizza for a $1.25 each. With tax, it came to $1.33. Marzella's was the first pizza shop in Collegeville.

  • 1970's

    488 Main Street Location

    Marzellas moved to 488 Main street, directly across the street from Ursinus College. Quickly, Marzella's became a legacy for Ursinus College Students. Marzella's extended the menu to include pasta, sandwiches and Marzella Strombolis!

  • 1980's

    Shipping Begins

    Marzella's began shipping nationwide upon more and more frequent special requests. Trips to Philadelphia (Southwest Cargo) became more frequent as Ursinus Alumni requests to ship expanded.

  • 1990's

    Maureen and Fran Marzella

    The Ursinus Alumni returned for homecoming reminiscing of their favorite Marzella's entree from their college years. When asked if they'd like a menu. often the response was "no need, we know exactly what we want!"

  • 2000-2020

    New Location

    Fran and Maureen, approaching their 70's, and longing for a quieter life, moved to their location to be along the Eastern Shores of The Chesapeake in Maryland. Marzella's By The Bay, 3 Howell Point Road, Betterton MD

  • 2020-2023

    Maureen and Fran Marzella

    The focus has shifted with reduced restaurant hours, more family time, and a dedicated focus on meeting the ever growing demand for their strombolis.

In Memoriam

Betterton dedicates late restaurant owner, a bench in his honor.

On Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, a bench was dedicated to the late Francis Marzella, restaurant owner for over 52 years.

  • During the bench dedication, to the late Francis Marzella, his son Michael and his wife Maureen, have the first sit in his honor.

    -- photo by Will Bontrager, Kent County New

  • Maureen Marzella, reflecting on her late husband Francis Marzella, while sitting on the bench dedicated in his honor.

    -- photo by Will Bontrager, Kent County New

"It doesn't get any better than in Betterton!"

Article 1

A Slice of History

The story of Marzella's and its close relationship with Ursinus College

Article 2

The Marzella Family

Serving Collegeville for Over 35 Years

Betterton Fire Truck

On behalf of the Betterton Vol. Fire Company members, I would like to thank Frank and Maureen Marzella for getting up and opening their business 2am this morning during the major Apartment building fire that Betterton Vol. Fire company had. Mr. and Mrs. Marzella fed over 45 Firefighters with pizza, sandwiches, and coffee and then stayed open the rest of the day serving all the customers that dine there everyday. Every night the fire siren sounds in Betterton the Marzellas get up make coffee and let the Fire Company know if they need anything to let them know. The Marzellas are wonderful people that serves their community and the Fire company beyond the call of. Lets all get together and visit Marzellas By the Bay have dinner and thank them for their outstanding service they provide to the Fire Company and the Town.

--Betterton Vol. Fire Company

Pig Out at Marzella's Sign

Just Oinking for Some Large Appetite

Maureen Marzella has always been a lover of animals. From childhood, she wanted a Yorkshire pig. One day, a friend gave her a three pound piglet named Felicity. Marzella decided there and then, that Felicity would be the face/logo of Marzellas!

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She's the Darling of My Life