🇮🇹 From Naples to Your Neighborhood 🇮🇹
The story of Mario’s Authentic Pizzeria begins in 1952, when our founder Mario Rossi left his home in Naples, Italy, with nothing but a dream and his family’s cherished recipes.
The Beginning – Mario Rossi (1952)
Mario Rossi was born in the heart of Naples, where pizza was invented. Growing up in his family’s small pizzeria near the historic center, he learned the art of pizza making from his father and grandfather. When he immigrated to America in 1952, Mario brought with him the most precious family heirloom – the original recipes that had been passed down for generations.
Starting with just a small wood-fired oven and determination, Mario opened the first Mario’s Pizzeria in a tiny storefront. His authentic Neapolitan pizza quickly gained a loyal following among locals who had never tasted anything quite like it.
The Growth – Antonio Rossi (1975)
In 1975, Mario’s son Antonio took over the family business. Having grown up in the kitchen alongside his father, Antonio had absorbed not just the recipes, but the passion and dedication that made Mario’s special. Under Antonio’s leadership, the pizzeria expanded while maintaining the authentic flavors and traditional methods that made it famous.
Antonio introduced new specialty pizzas while staying true to the Neapolitan tradition. He also established relationships with suppliers in Italy to ensure the restaurant continued using authentic San Marzano tomatoes and the finest Italian cheeses.
The Modern Era – Sofia Rossi (2010)
Today, Mario’s granddaughter Sofia carries on the family tradition with the same commitment to authenticity that her grandfather and father demonstrated. A culinary school graduate who also spent two years training in Naples, Sofia brings both traditional knowledge and modern techniques to the kitchen.
Under Sofia’s direction, Mario’s has embraced sustainable practices, sourcing local organic vegetables while maintaining the import of key Italian ingredients. She has also expanded the menu to include vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the Mario’s experience.
Our Commitment to Authenticity
- Traditional Methods: We still use the same wood-fired brick oven design that Mario brought from Naples
- Authentic Ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and Italian olive oil imported directly from Italy
- Family Recipes: Every sauce, dough, and preparation method follows the original Rossi family recipes
- Handcrafted Quality: Each pizza is hand-stretched and made to order, never mass-produced
- Community Focus: We believe in bringing people together over great food, just as they do in Italy
Awards & Recognition
Over the years, Mario’s Authentic Pizzeria has been honored with numerous awards:
- “Best Pizza in the City” – Local Food Magazine (2020, 2021, 2022)
- “Authentic Italian Restaurant” – Italian-American Chamber of Commerce (2019)
- “Family Business Excellence Award” – Small Business Association (2018)
- “Best Wood-Fired Pizza” – Regional Food Critics Association (2017)
Visit Our Family
When you dine at Mario’s, you’re not just having a meal – you’re becoming part of our extended family. Sofia, and often Antonio, can be found in the restaurant most evenings, greeting guests and ensuring that every pizza meets the high standards set by Mario over 70 years ago.
“Food is love made visible, and every pizza we make carries the love of three generations.”
– Sofia Rossi, Third Generation Owner