Mario’s Pizzeria celebrates 30th anniversary

An immigrant of Argentina, though he had been born in Italy, Mario Tenaglia arrived in the United States in 1979 and immediately began working in restaurants. According to Mario’s son, Steven Tenaglia, the work was not easy and Mario would sometimes have to work two or three jobs at a time.

On March 5, 1982, Mario opened the pizzeria on Brower Avenue with a partner, whom he worked with for nearly 15 years before buying out him out and becoming sole owner.

Still, Steven notes that times have certainly changed since he began working at the pizzeria when he was 15 years old.

According to Steven, the biggest change in the 30 years since the pizzeria opened has been the rise in the cost of the inventory, as well as the creativity put into the different pizzas.

“Our menu has definitely evolved throughout the years and the different variations of pizza have definitely changed a lot,” he said. “We’re always trying new stuff.”

Though the names and ingredients of the pizzas may have changed over time, the ovens have stayed the same.

“We still cook our pizzas in the original ovens from 30 years ago,” Steven said.