About

Peppinos Pizza founded in Standale, MI, by Joe “Peppino” Adelfio and Carlo DiLeonardo as a take-out pizza shop.

Carlo DiLeonardo opens a second take-out location in Allendale, MI, to serve the growing Grand Valley State College population.

Carlo works long hours managing the pizza shops; his young son, Joe DiLeonardo, frequently helps by folding pizza boxes and greeting customers.

Joe Adelfio relocates to Sicily; Joe DiLeonardo, now an adult, purchases the original Standale location from Joe Adelfio.

Joe expands the Standale location to include a dining room and lunch buffet, leading to significant sales growth and plans for further expansion.

With four take-out locations operating, Joe forms the entity that evolves into Peppinos Hospitality Group (PHG).

Carlo expands the Allendale location into the first full-service restaurant and bar under the Peppinos name, introducing the Sports Grille concept.

PHG expands rapidly, opening 8 additional take-out locations, 3 more Sports Grilles, and launching Maddalenas Catering as a new business line.

PHG diversifies beyond pizza with the opening of Westside Social, an American tavern concept.

PHG continues growth by adding Venue Bella Giornata, a wedding and corporate event center in Byron Center, MI, and expanding eastward with two take-out locations near Pittsburgh, PA. Joe DiLeonardo now owns and oversees Peppinos Hospitality Group, Carlo DiLeonardo has retired, and all of his children—Tricia, Toni, Francesca, and Lino—are actively involved in the ownership and operation of several family-owned locations.