By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – "Celebrate family, friends and tradition" reads the sign on the wall.
Massimo "Mass" and Cindy Cataldo said they hope those who frequent the new Massimo's Pizzeria at 20 E. Main St. enjoy their menu with family and friends and come back often.
The couple, married in August, opened their Niles location with a grand opening Wednesday, April 25. They have been busy ever since.
"The first day we used 150 pounds of dough. Friday, we used about 225 pounds," Mass said.
The dough is handmade every day. The sausage is made by a butcher from the same area of Italy as Massimo's father and from his Dad's own recipe. All the marinara, pizza and spaghetti sauces are homemade.
"What makes it Italian? A pride in the product. I am very serious about making everything as good as it can be. It is an entire experience for Italians, a perfect mix of food and friends," Mass said.
While his wife is Niles born and raised, Massimo was born in Italy and moved here when he was a small child. He said he was raised in family restaurants.
"The boxes on the wall all represent family.
Cousin Bruno's first pizzeria in Elkhart, Ind. is now a franchise. Antonino's, Milano's and DaVinci's Ristorante Italiano are also family-owned Elkhart businesses.
"I met and began dating my wife just prior to opening my other store in Elkhart. So she was a big part of growing that business too. I sometimes worry that I am so intense, because I want things to be perfect, that people will think I am angry. Cindy has a great personality so that works," Mass said.
The couple totally redesigned the location from when it was Blimpie's. They redesigned the interior and Massimo was obviously proud as he told at the grand opening of how his wife designed and faux finished the walls herself.
"I am really excited with the summer festivals coming. We have some surprises already planned for Riverfest, he said.
Pizza is their specialty, however, the menu will also feature items like homemade spaghetti and meatballs and dessert-styled pizza.
A luncheon buffet begins Monday with pizza and salad offerings.
Currently, the pizzeria is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.