It was 26 years ago that Pattie ‘Corker? Casinelli was a young employee at the pizzeria at the corner of Baldwin and Waldon roads. Now she’s the owner.
Casinelli, who has a background in business, recently opened Steve’s Pizza & More at the site vacated not long ago by Speedy Pizza.
She says the opportunity to run the the pizza operation has been a labor of love since opening just three weeks ago.
‘It’s kind of like buying my childhood job,? says Casinelli. ‘I think every kid around here worked at this place for awhile.?
Casinelli says the fruition of her dream began when she purchased the former Speedy Pizza’s ovens and other equipment at an auction.
After renovating the building, including the floors, walls, ceilings and adding new refrigeration and electrical upgrades, Casinelli says Steve’s Pizza & More is ready for customers and already building a loyal clientele.
‘We’ve done everything to make it better for our customers,? she says. ‘Besides great pizza, we’ve improved and expanded the menu.
Bill Kelley, Casinelli’s partner and store manager, says the diverse food offerings include gourmet items, pastas, cod and perch dinners, sub sandwiches ‘that are loaded,? and salads made fresh daily.
‘Our goal is to offer the best quality products,? says Kelly, who says the restaurant also features dishes not commonly found in the Midwest.
‘We’ve brought in items from other regions of the country, like the deep South and Southwest,? he says. ‘We have fried okra, black beans and rice, homemade perogies, cajun dishes, corn bread, alligator nuggets –lots of items you usually don’t see around here.?
Casinelli says she, Kelley, and the rest of the staff take their customers and the products they serve very seriously.
‘We want everything to be the best,? she says. ‘We take pride in that.?
Kelley stresses that the key to being the best is to use fresh ingredients and to make as many of their own items as possible.
‘Every day, we make our own salsa, dough, pizza sauce — everything,? he says. ‘These are the kinds of things that set us apart.?.
If the responses heard from customers thus far are any indication, says Casinelli, the business is on the verge of great success.
‘It seems like everyone who stops in once, keeps coming back,? says Casinelli.
The pizzeria also offers catering service for parties, graduations, etc.
Steve’s Pizza & More is located at 3616 Baldwin Road, next to Blockbuster Video. Business hours are: M-Th., 11-11; Fri. and Sat., 11-midnight; and Sun., 11-9.
To place an order, call (248)391-2700.
‘It’s been the same telephone number for the past 30 years,? says Casinelli. ‘It’s been the number to call for pizza for a long time.?