Ralph Venuto Sr. Perfected Golden-Brown Tans – Now He’s Perfecting Golden-Brown Pizza Crust With Venuto’s Old World Pizza
SEWELL, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hollywood Tans founder Ralph Venuto, Sr. is expanding his franchise portfolio and going after a slice of the pizza category with the launch of Venuto’s Old World Pizza, Inc. Venuto recently opened his first location in West Deptford, N.J., a suburb of Philadelphia.
Venuto opened Hollywood Tans in 1994 and, by 2007, he grew the chain to include more than 300 locations, becoming the nation’s largest chain of professional tanning salons. Now, he’s bringing his franchising expertise to a new industry and is building Venuto’s Old World Pizza from the ground up, complete with original chef-crafted recipes and curbside pick-up. Venuto revolutionized the tanning industry, making quality and speed a priority for the Hollywood Tans franchise. Quality and speed also will be the cornerstones of Venuto’s Old World Pizza. The pizza franchises will serve high-quality, gourmet-style thin crust pies that bake in just six minutes.
“I have committed my entire career to building successful franchises and making people successful in business,” said Ralph Venuto, Sr., Venuto’s founder and chairman. “And who doesn’t love pizza? So, I took my two passions and created Venuto’s Old World Pizza. We have experienced great success in the competitive business of tanning, and with Venuto’s tireless commitment to consistent flavor, quality and customer service, we’re certain that we will become a leader in the pizza industry.”
To accelerate the growth of the company, Venuto recruited Tom Romano as president and CEO. Romano has a proven track record in building franchise brands and developing strong management teams for more than 40 years.
“This opportunity is one I couldn’t turn down,” said Romano. “Ralph Venuto took the tanning industry to the next level, and I firmly believe that we will do the same thing for pizza. He has a great business sense and he truly believes in doing things the right way – with respect and a dedication. I am excited to be part of the team and look forward to a successful future with Venuto’s Old World Pizza.”
With crispy crusts, high-quality toppings and an upscale environment featuring glass tiles, imported granite ovens and fine woodwork, Venuto’s Old World Pizza plans to bring a new concept to the take-out pizza industry. Executive Chef Scott Walsack joined Venuto’s from the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, N.J. He worked diligently to create the recipes with a proprietary blend of ingredients, including fine Italian seasonings and a variety of toppings such as artichokes, applewood bacon and roasted red peppers. Pizza lovers will be delighted by Venuto’s various menu options, such as the Botticelli, which features fresh garlic and vegetables, and the Caravaggio, with grilled chicken, roasted pepper and artichokes. All pizzas are available with regular or wheat crust.
Venuto opened the first Venuto’s Old World Pizza location earlier this month with plans for rapid expansion throughout the Delaware Valley – and beyond. Venuto will use the expansion model that proved successful for Hollywood Tans, starting on the East Coast, then moving to the West Coast, and finally filling in the mid-section of the United States. To date, 40 franchises have been sold, and Venuto’s is actively recruiting additional franchisees.
Venuto, the youngest son of 16 children, raised in South Philadelphia, inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and learned the important lesson of always putting the customer first. For Venuto, the business is about seeing people succeed – and of course, serving great pizza.
“Nothing is more exciting than meeting people and seeing them succeed in business,” added Venuto. “We give our franchisees the tools and “know-how” to prosper. And watching their businesses flourish just makes you feel good.”
To learn more about becoming a franchise owner, log on to www.venutos.com or call 1-877-VENUTO1.
Venuto’s Old World Pizza was founded by the Venuto family in October 2006. The company offers its franchisees expert advice and training, a distinctive interior design and operating specifics, as well as marketing and advertising programs. For more information about franchising opportunities, visit www.venutos.com or call 1-877-VENUTO1.
