Woodland Hills, CA – – How does an entrepreneur combine a lineage of passionate Italian cuisine with today’s market? Barone’s – The Pizzeria Express, is the recipe for success. The ‘fast casual’ pizzeria featuring a rectangular thin crust Neapolitan style pizza debuts October 1, 2009.
Father and son team Mike and Stephan Monteleone acquired the rights to use the original secret family recipes of Barone’s Famous Italian Restaurant of Sherman Oaks at the Pizzeria Express. Stephan Monteleone, with a combined 15 years experience, working in the family business and restaurants abroad, will manage and lead the Pizzeria Express team. He adds,” Seeing this concept come together is very exciting, we have brought on 15 staff members, including an executive chef with some very chic skills.” Stephan recalls that as a teenager working in the family business how he would be offered large amounts of money to sneak out and deliver a couple pizzas, but the concept was not well received by managing family members at the time. “From then on in it was my goal to open the first fast casual location for Barone’s Pizza and really cater to consumer’s demands”
The pair incorporates many principles to fuel the local economy. “All of our produce, including the tomatoes used in our family’s sauce recipes are California grown & purchased fresh on a daily basis”, stated the elder Monteleone. The pizzeria’s Ventura Boulevard turn-key location has been revitalized to seat 50 persons in the dining and patio areas. Four widescreens televisions add family appeal and entertainment to the fast casual atmosphere.
The Barone name is well known throughout the valley area. Stephan adds,” for weeks we have been receiving messages like this; ‘Super excited for you and to have Barone’s closer to us. Can’t wait till you open. Good Luck!’”- Rick Calverley.
Complementing the 65 year legacy of Barone’s is the introduction of contemporary amenities including online and text messaging ordering. The Pizza Express kitchen has been equipped with an air impingement oven, which was named the GFEN* product of the year as the top energy savings technology for 2009. The Monteleones added, “Our marketing approach can be summarized as AT&R — Awareness plus Trial and Repeat. The highway has hundreds of restaurant options in a few miles. We are banking on our name recognition in the community and the power of good old fashioned – free.” Free samplings of Barone’s eight inch pizzas will be imparted randomly throughout October to establish the pizzeria’s status on Ventura Boulevard. A Grand Opening ‘mix and mingle’ event will be hosted in conjunction with the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce.
About Barone’s – The Pizza Express: The menu offers pizza, pasta, salads, Italian subs and home made desserts the location offers dine-in, delivery and carry-out along with curbside service. Further information about Monteleone’s can be obtained at www.BaronesPizzeria.com or by phoning 818.703.1700.
