Corporate Sponsor Story

In 1957, Val and Zena Weiler operated the Campus Fruit Market in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was clear to them that their business would soon be eclipsed by the large supermarkets springing up across Lincoln. The landmark which had stood for a dozen years had to go. In its place, armed with three dozen pizza pans, a recipe that had been in Mrs. Weiler’s family for years, and a generous amount of trepidation, they decided to open a pizza business. They took in $60 their first day, and as the restaurant’s reputation grew, patrons began to gather and watch through the window as the pizzas were made. Patrons would stand in line for an hour or more to sample the pizza and pasta specialties created in the original restaurant.

In 1971, the Messineo and Alesio families purchased Valentino’s and soon carefully formulated plans to expand into additional locations. Today, Valentino’s has expanded to 38 restaurant locations throughout Nebraska.

Valentino’s success began with those wonderful family recipes that were passed on when the business changed hands in 1971. However, there’s more than recipes to this story. The highest quality food, reasonable prices, immaculately clean and comfortable restaurants, genuinely friendly service, and a written corporate creed which says that “community service is as important as the quality of the food,” have helped keep Val’s tremendously popular.

spotlight Sponsor Story

DON & MYRA WILHITE

We are impressed with the diversity and quality of programming offered each year by the Lied Center. There is literally something for everyone! As Spotlight Sponsors this year we are excited to support Ajijaak on Turtle Island: Cranes in North America.