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The American Dream…as business owners the American Dream is what we are all striving to achieve. To be a self-made man/woman and to build a business and life for you and yoru family that is something that is to be admired and desired. We've seen it in our industry before with the likes of Sbarro, Villa Pizza and others. Let me talk about the next "up and coming" American Drean pizza chain in the New York area called Abitino's. I had first met them in the Palisades Mall in NY several years back. They were very cordial towards me. Nevertheless, little did I know, some years later they would come and sit down at our factory and put a deal together with Joe Farrara for four new locations in NYC. I was surprised because to be in NYC and make it, you must be motivated, and have aspiration. Most of all they must have fortitude to deal with what ever may come their way. They have the personality and they are full of life and I have no doubt in my mind; I know they will make it. They know how to give respect to others, and personally, they are great people, both father and sons.
The Abitino story starts back in 1972. A young family living in Italy decides to change the course of their life and move to America. This young family moved to Brooklyn, NY. His young children were left in the care of their mother. Mario Sr., the head of the family, had gotten a job and started working in a pork store in the daytime, and in the evenings, he took a job as a deliveryman for a local pizza shop. Now, there were times when there were no deliveries to be made so, Mario Sr. asked the owner to teach him to make a pizza. There he worked at making pizza with no pay, and only going on deliveries. After two years, Mario Sr. had saved enough money to buy the same pizzeria where he learned to make a pizza. He then became the proud owner of his first pizzeria.
He sold his first place, and opened another in a better location. This was not until 1980, and by then the family had grown and his children older, so Mrs. Abitino was now able to help in the kitchen. Mario Sr. and his family worked very hard, long hours to make their dreams come true. All they have every wanted was a successful life together…the American Dream.
In February of 1992, the Abitino family decided to expand by opening a pizzeria on 52nd Street in Manhatten. It was an instant success! In November of that same year, the Abitino's opened their Italian Ristorante located on 39th Street and 2nd Avenue. In April of 1998, they purchased their biggest challenge yet- the Abitino family embarked on a new adventure by expanding their chain into the Palisades Center Mall. Three more locations had opened after the success of the mall, one in September of 2004 at Times Square. Another in August of 2005 in Greenwich Village located on the corner of Carmine and Bleeker Street. The third opened in the summer of 2006 on 76th Street and Broadway. The Abitinos are now bringing their quality foods to their next adventure at JFK International Airport, American Airlines wing. That project will be completed in May of 2007.
The four locations of Abitino's are planned and designed well. They have created a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy the great food that comes along with the company. They are truly taking NY by storm! Look out for these men, they have the knowledge and ability, they do well. They use only the finest equipment, and are not afraid to spend the extra penny to satisfy customers by any means.I would definitely expect to see the Abitino's at PMQ's New York Pizza Show!
This family absolutely loves what they do. I wish them nothing but good luck in the year 2007 and on. Make sure whenever you are in the NY area, you make a stop to Abitino's Pizza.
If you are wondering how they have become to grow and learn in this industry, well here is how. For many generations, the Abitino family has shared their love of authentic Italian food. Born in Marcianise, Caserta a city near Naples, Mario Abitino comes from a long line of Italians. Not only do they believe that a good home-cooked meal can lift anyone's spirits, but nothing can make a person feel better than fine Italian food! All of these various locations will conveniently enable you to tantalize you taste buds by patronizing at an Abitino's near you! No matter who you are or where you are, your American Dream is out there waiting on you. It all starts with one location and passion.
Until Next Time,
Ciao!
Chef Bruno
