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. 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.