Business & Merchant
- Last Updated on Thursday, 01 August 2013 04:39
Italian Village Pizza Open for Business
By Kyra Bergman
“Everyone knows Pizza Frank.” Stephan Nowo, owner of the new Italian Village Pizza in Monongahela, said. He’s referring to Frank Veltri, who opened the first Italian Village at Century III Mall in 1980 with his partner Jack Miller. But Nowo knows him as Uncle Frank.
By Kyra Bergman
The crew from Italian Village Pizza
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Stephan knew from a young age that he wanted to get into the family business. “When I was sixteen, a junior in high school, I had to write a paper on what I wanted to be.” Nowo said. “I wrote that I wanted to own a pizza place.”
Now, with his business partner and brother-in-law Chuck Jeffers, he owns two. Nowo opened the Belle Vernon store in 2004 and after closing a Squirrel Hill shop he started the search for another location. When asked why
Italian Village Pizza - Monongahela
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he chose Monongahela he explained, “People at my Belle Vernon store were asking for one. Now about 10% of my walk-in customers here were Belle Vernon regulars who live in Mon City.” Nowo also said Monongahela was very welcoming. He joined the Chamber of Commerce and was pleased when the Mayor of Monongahela came into the store on opening day, April 8, 2013, to shake his hand.
The little pizza place that started in a local mall now has over twenty locations. There are several in Pennsylvania but also Kentucky, Florida, and even Pizza Frank’s native Amantea, Italy. 50% of the locations are family owned.
The little pizza place that started in a local mall now has over twenty locations. There are several in Pennsylvania but also Kentucky, Florida, and even Pizza Frank’s native Amantea, Italy. 50% of the locations are family owned.
Step up and pick up your pizza
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The Monongahela shop is located at 169 W. Main Street, the former site of Mama Pepino’s. Nowo bought and renovated the entire building. The store boasts two flat screen TVs and the walls are decorated with Penguins and Steelers plaques featuring current and former black and gold teams. Stop in or find a menu on their website at www.italianvillagepizza.com and call 724- 292-8170 to place an order.