Standing Out From the Crowd

Creamy Hand-Pulled Mozzarella

In their landmark Queens, NY, deli, Angelo Polito’s father Emilio has been attracting loyal regulars by handmaking fresh mozzarella from curd over four decades. Why continue this labor-of-love when “fresh mozzarella” is commercially available? The secret is that freshly pulled mozzarella gradually firms over time. So it’s especially rich, creamy texture is best enjoyed on the day it is made!

Angelo Polito, Co-Owner
Tony’s Beechhurst Deli
Whitestone, NY

Unexpectedly Memorable Birthdays

For years, this Independent western steakhouse has surprised and delighted birthday guests of all ages with a dessert, complimentary cowboy hat & bandana, and uniquely memorable song: “Happy Birthday from The House of Beef to you, we hope you have a good time with friends and family too. We are glad you joined the round up so tell your Ma and Pa, to celebrate the cowboy way with us . . . Yeehaw.”

Making their enthusiastic celebrations unexpectedly memorable (including keepsake souvenirs) helps Steve & Cindi Melden consistently attract large birthday parties, often annually. Cowboy themes aside, they suggest that Italian Independents might create equally unexpected traditions of their own!

Steve & Cindi Melden, Owners
The House of Beef
Oakdale, CA
 

Studying Abroad

Like a professional athlete, third-generation pizzaiolo Angelo Nicolosi is constantly honing his skills. While he gets valuable ideas and insights by attending tradeshows like Pizza Expo, he spends his annual vacation visiting different pizzerias in Italy. There, he politely introduces himself to the owners and offers to work a few days for free in exchange for their expert pointers on further refining his craft!

Angelo Nicolosi
Nicolosi’s Pizzeria
Phillipsburg, NJ

Avoiding Contractor Headaches

After operating a successful mobile pizzeria, Isaiah Ruffin and Colleen Constant launched their first brick and mortar location. During the build, they learned to avoid headaches by leveraging the hard-earned experience of other area Independents by asking which local tradespeople have previously earned their trust (and who to avoid)! Colleen also learned to ask contractors for itemized estimates and explanations!

Isaiah Ruffin & Colleen Constant, Co-Owners
Pizza by Ruffin
Seattle, WA