Genoa Pizza in SugarGrove — 20 years of great Italian food

Genoa Pizza owner Giuseppe Pizzo was born in Detroit, Mich., and he grew up in Italy. He opened his restaurant in Sugar Grove 20 years ago, but the real history dates back to 1975, when his grandfather opened his Genoa Pizza in Genoa, Ill.

"It all starts with good quality product," Pizzo said. "We have a good, quality pizza sauce and pizza dough that was handed down from my Uncle Pete."

Pizzo said he started out his work life as a finishing carpenter. When he found himself in hard times, he said his brothers gave him an opportunity, and "here I am, 20 years later."

When Pizzo began the business 20 years ago, he said he had to work hard to compete with an already-existing pizza place in town. Little by little, he was able to gain customers, and to keep them coming back for more. He and his employees continue to work hard to keep his customers happy.

In addition to the quality of the food, he credits the success of the business to "the heart and the dedication that goes into it every day."

From thin to pan to stuffed pizza crusts, Genoa Pizza also offers a wide variety of meat and fresh vegetable toppings, and a selection of specialty pizzas, including Hawaiian Pizza, Mediterranean, BLT, Healthy Choice and Taco Pizza, among others.

Genoa also serves appetizers; a variety of salads, pasta and other Italian dinners, including homemade baked lasagna, chicken alfredo fettuccini and chicken and veal parmesan; sandwiches, and a number of specials, including pizza by the slice until 2 p.m. and half-price pizza on Wednesday night.

The restaurant provides delivery and carry-out. In the future, Pizzo would like to expand into a larger space and possibly add a sit-down area.

"It’s a true Italian Experience to satisfy the most discerning appetites!"