About Us
“Working at that place meant waking up at 12am and taking a drive from Holbrook to Needham with Uncle Bob, the commissary manager. Our task was to put dough balls into dough boxes during the early morning hours, five days a week throughout the entire summer. When Uncle Bob picked us up at 1am, we would often argue over who got to sit in the backseat to catch a few more minutes of sleep.” For reference… The big brother always wins the backseat.
In the winter of 1977, our father Joe Salerno was out scouting locations around the Cape Cod area for a new Papa Gino’s. While driving though Onset, he met a local police officer and started to ask him questions regarding the area. After learning more about Onset, he and his wife Bev decided to buy an abandoned antique shop located at 190 Onset Ave.
Constructed in the late 1800s, 190 Onset Ave. originally served as the town’s historic post office. Over time, it transformed into Freemans Department Store until the 1950s and subsequently operated as the Roller Line Arcade for several years before finding its identity as an antique shop.
In May of 1978, Marc Anthony’s opened its doors. The name Marc Anthony’s is inspired by the famous figure Marc Anthony from Cleopatra’s time. Interestingly, Mark Salerno also shares the middle name Anthony, but the brothers opted on the alternative spelling.
With the guidance of their father Joe, Mark and Paul joined forces to open the business together. Mark, fresh out of the Navy following the completion of his service, and Paul, a recent graduate of Holbrook High School class of 1978, combined their talents to lay the foundation.
With the collective efforts of everyone involved, including their grandfather, affectionately “Grandpa,” Marc Anthony’s materialized and took shape by the summer of 1978. John, having just completed his sophomore year at Holbrook High School, recalls that memorable summer spent working alongside his older brothers.
Initially, Marc Anthony’s operated as a seasonal business during the summer, offering daily service and transitioning to Thursday through Sunday operation in the off-season. During the early years, they dedicated time to establish themselves in Onset Village, a picturesque coastal community within the town of Wareham. Recognizing the importance of delivering a superior product, Marc Anthony’s prioritized the production of its own pizza dough. This may seem like a minor detail in the pizza industry, however it holds critical significance. Crafting exceptional dough revolves around mastering the elements of time and temperature, as they are the key ingredients for creating a great crust.
After several years, Paul decided to pursue other ventures. Mark continued to manage the business with the support of numerous dedicated and memorable employees. In June of 1987, John paid a visit to his brother and witnessed the bustling scene of Marc’s. After a brief conversation, the brothers made a pivotal decision to become partners. In the same year, Marc’s extended its operating hours to seven days a week, remaining open until midnight and establishing itself as a year-round restaurant. Additionally, in 1987, the decision was made to introduce food delivery services, covering areas Wareham, Buzzards Bay, and South Plymouth.
In 1991, Hurricane Bob struck, causing widespread power outages. Despite the challenges, Marc Anthony’s managed to remain open. After five days without power, they faced the need to make fresh dough. Dunkin’ Donuts kindly allowed them to use their equipment to produce the dough, under the condition that their recipe remained a well-guarded secret. Hurricane Bob marked a significant turning point for the business. Those familiar with the earlier years of Marc Anthony’s may remember the single upstairs bathroom and small game room. Eventually, they expanded the facilities, including the bathrooms, dining room, and arcade area.
In 2004, Mark and John seized the opportunity to purchase 196 Onset Ave. This new location enabled them to relocate Nana’s Ice Cream to the corner and expand the establishment by opening an adjoining candy store. The renovated building now features a stunning Victorian dance hall on the second floor, equipped with a ballroom, cocktail room, and outdoor balcony, which became the future home of Salerno’s Seaside Functions. Marc Anthony’s catering services also flourished, catering to various types of events.
In 2012, the brothers made another significant acquisition by purchasing 167 Onset Ave. The building, originally known as The Glen Cove Hotel and constructed in 1883, underwent extensive renovations before reopening its doors in 2019, reclaiming its historical namesake and experiencing remarkable success.
In 2013, a fortuitous encounter took place when a group of individuals walked into Marc Anthony’s and fell in love with the atmosphere. Recognizing the potential, they chose Onset as a filming location for the movie “The Way Way Back.” Keep an ear out for John’s line, “lemonade all set,” in the beginning of the scene, which earned him an invitation to join the Screen Actors Guild.
When you think of Marc Anthony’s, the word loud comes to mind… not in a bad way – but in a way that makes you feel like you’re walking into the house of a large close-knit family.
Mark often handles calls and takes orders, with Dena diligently crafting the perfect dough. Alex and his Uncle John spin pizzas on the bench, while the entire team works closely and efficiently. Always in our thoughts is Marc Anthony, Mark’s son. With family-style dining, a diverse menu catering to all tastes, and a vibrant atmosphere, Marc’s has developed its own distinctive style over the last 46 years.
So, if you’re looking for a place to spend your day, consider visiting Onset Village. Enjoy a slice of pizza after a day at the beach, indulge in treats at Nana’s Ice Cream & Candy, have dinner and dance at Glen Cove, and plan your next event at Salerno’s.
We would like to express our gratitude to all our wonderful customers and the exceptional employees we have had the pleasure of working with since 1978. Marc Anthony’s will continue to uphold its commitment to delivering delicious food, excellent service, and a memorable experience.
Mark and John Salerno