Alfonzo's Pizzeria

Established in 1982.

There's a great deal of truth to the bittersweet observation that "overnight success" often is years in the making. This certainly is true in the case of Mike Paolucci, Founder of Alfonzo's, whose delicious Neopolitan-style-pizza and other Italian specialties are making waves in the heart of Mid-America's Farm Belt Mike, a third-generation Italian-American, has "put in his time" in the food service industry. As a youngster he washed dishes; in the Air Force he received invaluable food-service training and helped establish an award winning kitchen. Then came graduationfrom the Culinary Institute of America, experience with a three-star restaurant, and tenure with Marriot Hotel Corporation, where he served as a sous chef.