In the vibrant world of mobile wood-fired Pizza, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Stella’s Pizza Pie. Founded by Vito Romani, this culinary venture is not just about serving delicious Pizza; it’s a testament to the passion, hard work, and joy of feeding people. Let’s dive into Vito’s journey, the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the secrets behind his success.
Getting Started in the Pizza Business
Vito’s love for Pizza began in childhood, growing up in a large Italian Sicilian family. He fondly recalls making Pizza with his grandmother, whose signature recipe included provolone, mozzarella, red onions, sausage, and salami. This early exposure to the art of pizza-making instilled in him a deep appreciation for quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
“Pizza is in our blood,” Vito shares, emphasizing how his grandmother’s influence shaped his culinary philosophy. After nearly a decade of contemplating his future, he turned his passion into a profession inspired by a mobile pizza oven he encountered. With the encouragement of his family, he embarked on a six-month research journey that led him to the Wood Fired University in Colorado.
Building Stella’s Pizza Pie
Upon acquiring his oven, Vito wasted no time, hosting his first event on the day it arrived. “It was just following the dream, one foot in front of the other,” he recalls. This initial leap began a thriving business focused primarily on catering weddings. Vito understood that catering to such significant events required a personal touch and meticulous attention to detail.
“We take a lot of pride in what we do,” he explains. This dedication to excellence has helped Stella’s Pizza Pie build a reputable name over the years, as they consistently strive to make every event memorable. From the moment they arrive at a venue, the team is focused on ensuring everything is perfect for the couple and their guests.
Expanding the Menu
While Pizza is the show’s star, Stella’s Pizza Pie offers a diverse menu beyond traditional offerings. Vito’s culinary expertise includes chicken scallopini, baked ziti, and cannoli. This variety allows him to cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that every guest is satisfied.
“If it’s not on our menu, it’s probably not something people are ordering often,” Vito notes. He’s streamlined the menu to focus on high-quality, frequently requested dishes while remaining open to custom requests, showcasing his commitment to customer satisfaction.
Maintaining Quality and Freshness
One of the defining features of Stella’s Pizza Pie is Vito’s insistence on preparing dishes fresh on-site. “I cook my ziti in my oven; I’ll make my sauce in the kitchen but bake the ziti in the oven,” he explains. This practice enhances the flavor and creates an authentic experience for guests, who can enjoy fresh, hot food straight from the oven.
Vito emphasizes that everything served is made on-site, ensuring the highest quality. This commitment to freshness is a cornerstone of his business philosophy, setting Stella’s apart from competitors who may rely on pre-packaged or reheated meals.
Challenges and Triumphs
Operating a mobile pizza business comes with its unique set of challenges. Vito reflects on the importance of maintaining his equipment, especially his ovens. After ten years of use, he recognized that regular maintenance was essential to keep everything running smoothly. He even took a family trip to Colorado to have his oven serviced by Fire Within, illustrating his commitment to quality.
“If you care about everything, it will show,” Vito emphasizes. He believes that taking care of equipment ensures safety and reflects the business’s professionalism. This attention to detail has garnered Stella’s five-star reviews across various platforms.
Oven by Fire Within
Finding Balance: Family and Business
For Vito, family is paramount. He has structured his business to allow for quality family time, coaching his kids’ softball team and being present for important moments in their lives. “I’m there during the week for everything I want to do,” he shares, appreciating the flexibility a mobile business provides compared to a brick-and-mortar establishment.
“I love my family too much to open a restaurant,” Vito states. This sentiment resonates with many entrepreneurs who seek to balance their passion with personal commitments. His ability to maintain this balance is a testament to the success he has achieved through Stella’s Pizza Pie.
The Importance of Community and Staff
Vito understands that a successful business relies heavily on a dedicated team. He has cultivated a loyal staff, many of whom have been with him for over five years. “If you keep your staff happy, they’re going to stay,” he notes, highlighting the importance of creating a positive work environment.
Having a well-trained team is crucial for an average wedding catering to 150-300 guests. Vito employs multiple managers at events, ensuring everyone knows their role and contributing to the seamless execution of services. “It’s like a well-oiled machine,” he describes, proud of the efficiency his team has developed over the years.
Lessons from Wood Fired University
Vito credits much of his knowledge and success to his experience at Wood Fired University. The hands-on training he received there was invaluable, providing him with the skills needed to run his business effectively. “They had it all in one book,” he recalls, noting how the comprehensive curriculum covered everything from dough preparation to marketing strategies.
“I came back from that thing, and everyone was asking how long I’d been doing this,” he laughs, reflecting on how quickly he could implement what he learned. The connections he made at the university have also proven beneficial, as he continues to reach out for advice and support from fellow pizza professionals.
Advice for Aspiring Pizza Entrepreneurs
For those looking to dive into the mobile pizza business, Vito offers sage advice: “Listen to what people have to say ahead of you.” He stresses the importance of investing in quality equipment and ingredients, which are fundamental to successful operations. “Buy a quality oven, something that’s going to hold up,” he advises, underscoring the need for durable tools in the field.
Vito also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, perhaps at local farmers’ markets, to build their experience before expanding. “Take it slow; don’t bite off more than you can chew at first,” he cautions, emphasizing the importance of gradual growth in the business.
Connecting with Stella’s Pizza Pie
Stella’s Pizza Pie has established a solid online presence, with active accounts on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Vito acknowledges the significance of social media in reaching new customers and engaging with the community. “Social media is a huge thing,” he admits, sharing that they’ve recently invested in professional management of their online platforms.
To learn more about Stella’s Pizza Pie, visit their website at Stella’s Pizza Pie Fine Italian Catering or follow them on Instagram.
As Vito reflects on his journey, he expresses gratitude for the opportunities Pizza has afforded him. “Food equals happiness,” he concludes, a philosophy that drives him to continue sharing his passion for Pizza with the world.
Conclusion
The story of Stella’s Pizza Pie is one of dedication, community, and love for food. Vito Romani has transformed his passion into a successful business, all while maintaining strong family values and a commitment to quality. As the mobile pizza industry grows, Vito’s journey is an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
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