When Rosario Barone, known to all as Ross, contemplated leaving Piazza Pizzeria and Ice Cream behind, there was one gnawing concern: Who would take care of the Rye community as he had for 22 years?
By Janice Llanes Fabry
When Rosario Barone, known to all as Ross, contemplated leaving Piazza Pizzeria and Ice Cream behind, there was one gnawing concern: Who would take care of the Rye community as he had for 22 years? Imagine his relief when mutual friends introduced him to Eugene Pisacreta, known to all as Gino ever since he took over the beloved eatery in December.
“Gino was most like myself and I knew he would carry on the same traditions,” said Barone. “I’m passing the torch.”
To make it as seamless a transition as possible, new owner Pisacreta hasn’t changed a thing. “People in Rye know what they want, so I’m making sure everything remains intact and keeping everybody happy. Ross achieved that and more,” he said.
Having been in the business almost 15 years, Pisacreta owns two other pizza restaurants in Yonkers and Mount Vernon. He was drawn to Piazza from the start and is focusing all his attention on the Milton Road hotspot.
“I instantly fell in love with the area. It’s a neighborhood place and it was great to see all the little kids walking around,” said the father of two boys, 14 and 11.
After a career in sales and marketing, Pisacreta decided to pursue more of a recession-proof enterprise and delve into his passion for food. “Both my parents came from Italy and my mother is a spectacular cook,” he remarked. “I chose the pizza business and my cousin Angelo showed me the ropes.”
Pisacreta’s recipe for success is offering a foolproof combination of great food and service. Attributing Piazza Pizzeria’s longevity to its dedicated staff, he has ensured everyone is staying on. Moreover, except for the addition of a few seasonal toppings, the menu will continue offering the same signature pizzas, calzones, pastas, Italian entrees, heroes and wraps, soups and salads, chicken wings, and desserts. As Pisacreta noted, “Consistency is the key to the game.”
Piazza Pizzeria is open 7 days a week from 11-10. For more information and catering details, visit PiazzaPizzaRye.com or call 921-4444.
