The Chic Guide: What’s Amelio’s Pizzeria?
Toni Thorne, Owner of Amelio’s Pizzeria: Amelio’s is a family-owned Italian pizza shop specializing in homemade, brick oven pizza as well as numerous other menu options.
The Chic Guide: What’s the inspiration behind it?
Thorne: Amelio, the namesake for our establishment, was born in Naples, Italy, in July 1896. In 1920, he immigrated to America seeking the opportunity for a better life. Before long he settled in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Amelio was soon employed with the local streetcar system and climbed the ladder to become a manager. He eventually met Rosie Fusco, an Italian woman born in the United States. They were married October 22, 1927. They had four girls: Norma, Martha, Enes, and Lola.
Amelio, a very talented man, entertained the community with his singing and his director of the opera within The Mishler Theater in Altoona. He also loved to cook and eat, and his favorite food was pizza. Amelio wished to share his beloved food, so in the 1940s he built a small pizza parlor in his backyard. He opened Amelio’s Pizza Shop, a pizza carry-out. Amelio soon became well-known for his delicious pizza. In fact, the community would line up in the alleyway to get the best pizza in town. Amelio passed on his love of food and cooking to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love and legacy remains in the homes and hearts of his family, as many of them still hold dear their possession of his original pizza pans.
Amelio’s daughter, Norma, had a son, Steve, who shared his grandfather’s passion and attended culinary school, aspiring to one day own a restaurant of his own. Steve’s aspirations have always driven the heart of his daughters. So, 101 years after Amelio settled in the United States, I, his great-granddaughter, took a leap of faith and established Amelio’s Pizzeria to honor the great Amelio Cecere.
The Chic Guide: What’s on the menu?
Thorne: Our pizzas are made using fresh dough from Rise Bakehouse in Bellefontaine, housemaid sauce, and fresh toppings. We also have our signature pastas with family recipe sauces, oven-baked sandwiches, salads with housemate dressings, and a large appetizer menu.
The Chic Guide: What makes Amelio’s unique?
Thorne: We are the only local pizza shop that uses handmade dough and a 600-degree brick oven to ensure our pizzas are cooked to perfection, and 90% of our menu is house-made with love by our amazing team.
The Chic Guide: Is there anything new on the horizon?
Thorne: We’re looking forward to bringing outdoor seating for customers, and potentially some other big plans, but you’ll have to stay tuned for those announcements.
The Chic Guide: Where are you located?
Thorne: You can find us at 115 S. Ohio Avenue in downtown Sidney.
The Chic Guide: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Thorne: You can visit our website or follow along on Facebook.