Pizza-Palooza
Welcome to the September issue of Fresco by Ferraro! As we approach October, there's no better time to focus on all things pizza, with National Pizza Month just ahead and Halloween, the busiest pizza day of the year, right around the corner. This issue is packed with everything you need to make the most of this exciting season in the pizza world.
We’re proud to spotlight one of our standout customers, Christos Restaurant and Bar in Connecticut, where pizza takes center stage on their menu. You’ll hear their story, learn what makes their operation unique, and gain insights that may inspire your own business.
Additionally, we’ve got a full recap of our experience at the One Bite Pizza Festival, where Ferraro Foods proudly participated for the second year. From the highlights of the event to key takeaways, we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at the festival that celebrates pizza culture.
Of course, no issue would be complete without some fresh ideas to spark creativity in your kitchen. We’re featuring a range of products and offering new menu inspiration to help you elevate your pizza offerings and meet customer demands as the holiday season heats up.
Whether you’re preparing for the October pizza rush or looking to bring something new to your menu, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of pizza and get ready for a flavorful fall!
Buon apetito, amici,
The Ferraro Family
September 2024
AUTUMN PIZZA MENU INSPIRATION
How to put a fall twist on your pizza menu.
Page 4
RECIPE: AUTUMN PIZZA
If fall was a pizza, this is the pizza.
Page 8
SEPTEMBER INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:
How pizzerias are essential to the food service industry.
Page 9
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
Meet the Pizza Kings of Connecticut.
Page 10
FEATURED ITEMS
Some of our favorite pizza products!
Page 12
ONE BITE PIZZA FESTIVAL
Highlights from the Ferraro Piazza during the One Bite Pizza Festival!
Page 14
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, diners naturally crave heartier, comforting meals. For pizzerias, the transition to fall presents a golden opportunity to introduce new, seasonallyinspired pizzas that reflect the flavors of autumn. By incorporating fall ingredients and flavors, you can offer customers a memorable dining experience that celebrates the season.
FRESCO BY FERRARO
Embrace Fall Vegetables
Fall is harvest time for many vibrant, flavorful vegetables. Roasted root vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin bring sweetness and depth to pizzas. These ingredients are versatile, adding a creamy texture and a pop of color to pies. Additionally, they pair well with classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage.
Inspiration:
• Butternut Squash & Sage: Roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, sage, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Sweet Potato & Arugula: Roasted sweet potatoes, arugula, ricotta, and walnuts with a light honey drizzle.
Incorporate Fall Cheeses
Cheese is a cornerstone of pizza, and fall is a perfect time to experiment with richer, creamier varieties. Opt for cheeses that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, such as smoked gouda, goat cheese, or a sharp cheddar. These cheeses blend beautifully with fall ingredients and provide an indulgent twist on traditional pizzas.
Inspiration:
• Apple & Cheddar: Thinly sliced apples, sharp white cheddar, and crispy bacon for a sweet and savory balance.
• Goat Cheese & Mushroom: Earthy roasted mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, and a sprinkling of thyme.
Highlight Fall Meats
If your pizzeria serves meat, fall is the season for heartier cuts and flavors. Think cured meats, sausages, and bacon, which pair beautifully with autumnal ingredients.
Inspiration:
• Sausage & Roasted Pepper: Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella, topped with rosemary for a warming touch.
• Pumpkin & Pancetta: A pumpkin puree base, crispy pancetta, caramelized onions, and smoked mozzarella.
Offer Unique Fall Sauces
To give your pizzas a distinctive seasonal flavor, swap traditional tomato sauce for fall-inspired alternatives. Pumpkin, butternut squash, or even a creamy garlic base can provide a new foundation for your fall pizzas.
Inspiration:
• Pumpkin Sauce: A smooth pumpkin puree as the base, topped with spinach, roasted garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and fontina.
• Creamy Garlic & Sweet Potato: A creamy garlic sauce base with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, and fresh rosemary.
Use Fall Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme are quintessential fall flavors that can enhance the taste of seasonal pizzas. For a more adventurous twist, incorporate warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in small amounts to complement the sweetness of fall vegetables and fruits.
Inspiration:
• Sage & Brown Butter : Brown butter sauce base, fresh sage, mozzarella, and ricotta, finished with a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Apple: Sliced apples, cinnamon, mozzarella, and a dusting of sugar, creating a savory-sweet dessert pizza.
Promote Pairing with Fall Beverages
To complete the experience, suggest pairing your fall-inspired pizzas with seasonal beverages. Local craft ciders, pumpkin beers, or a spiced mulled wine can enhance the flavors of the pizza, creating a cohesive autumnal meal.
With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can easily add a fall twist to your pizza offerings. By highlighting seasonal vegetables, cheeses, and spices, your pizzeria can stand out and attract customers seeking comforting, autumn-inspired meals. Plus, fallthemed pizzas not only celebrate the season but also showcase your restaurant’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Fall additions to your pizza menu!
Hearty Pastas & Grains with Earthy Flavor
Ancient grains are becoming popular to the more health conscious consumer - such as farro and polenta. Cooking with these grains tap into the traditional, wholesome ingredients, adding a rich nutty flavor and boost of nutrition.
Examples include: Porcini Mushroom Risotto with Roasted Garlic
Polenta with Sausage & Mushrooms
Farro Soup with Roasted Vegetables
Harvest-Inspired Desserts
Looking to expand your dessert offerings this fall? This is a great way to bring in more profit and delight your guests with comforting, yet sophisticated flavor. These Italian-inspired dessert ideas take on a seasonal flair and get customers in the spirit of the fall season!
Examples include:
Apple Tart (Crostata di Mele)
Pumpkin Ricotta Cheesecake
Pumpkin Tiramisu
Pumpkin Panna Cotta
Autumn Pizza
with Pumpkin, Prosciutto, Squash and Sage
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup caramelized onions
• 1 cup butternut squash, small diced
• 1 bunch sage leaves
• Olive oil
• 1 ball of pizza dough
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• all purpose flour (as needed)
• 1 cup plain pumpkin purée
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella (or to taste)
• 6 oz. prosciutto
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta
• Fresh cracked black pepper
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
2. If you have a steamer, steam the butternut squash cubes for 2-3 minutes until fork tender. Remove from the heat and set aside. If you don’t have a steamer, fill a pot with water and 1 tbsp of salt. Bring to a boil. Add the butternut squash and boil for 2 minutes (until fork tender) Remove and reserve. Next, add greens, cilantro, onion, and apple slices to a large bowl
3. Place the sage leaves in a small bowl and cover with olive oil. Massage the oil into the leaves. Thinly slice the sage and set aside. (Soaking it in the oil allows it to crisp up and fry in the oven.)
4. Flour a workspace and flatten the pizza dough to a shape of your liking. Sprinkle cornmeal on one side along with a little more flour. Place the pizza cornmeal/extra flour side down on a pizza peel.
5. Moving quickly, spread the pumpkin puree all over the dough. Top with finely chopped rosemary, mozzarella, ricotta, prosciutto, caramelized onions and sage. Add a swirl of olive oil and crack of black pepper on top. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
September
The Heartbeat of Food Service: Why Pizzerias Are Essential to the Industry
From the corner slice joint to the upscale wood-fired experience, these beloved establishments hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). Let’s dive into why these doughslinging dynamos are so important to the food service world.
The Crust of Community: Pizzerias as Neighborhood Anchors
Unlike many other dining experiences, pizzerias foster a sense of belonging, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. This deep connection with their communities helps pizzerias thrive and remain relevant, no matter how the food service landscape shifts. Independent pizzerias have seen strong performance, capturing around 41% of the total pizza market share in the U.S. in 2023. This segment continues to be a significant player on the East Coast, where local and familyowned pizza shops often dominate the landscape according to an article by PMQ Pizza.
Innovation
by the Slice: Pizzerias as Trendsetters
Pizzerias are hotbeds of culinary innovation. From the first Margherita to the more adventurous trends like hot honey drizzles or cauliflower crusts, pizzerias constantly push the envelope of what pizza can be. According to Technomic, 37% of consumers are
more likely to try new or unique pizza toppings compared to other food types, highlighting the role of pizzerias as trendsetters in the industry. This spirit of experimentation doesn’t just impact their own menus; it influences the broader food industry, inspiring chefs, restaurateurs, and food brands to think outside the box (or, in this case, the pizza box).
A Recession-Proof Recipe: Pizzerias’ Economic Resilience
No matter the economic climate, pizza remains a go-to comfort food. During tough times, pizzerias have shown remarkable resilience, adapting with delivery, takeout, and innovative tech solutions to keep their doors (and ovens) open. Technomic reports that 44% of consumers are ordering pizza at least once a week, even during challenging economic periods, demonstrating how pizzerias maintain steady demand even when other sectors struggle.
Job Creators: Pizzerias Fuel Local Economies
Pizzerias are major players when it comes to employment in their communities. From delivery drivers to kitchen staff, they provide countless jobs and opportunities for career growth. Technomic data reveals that pizzerias employ over 1 million people across the United States, making them significant contributors to local economies. Many pizzeria owners started in entry-level positions, working their way up to run their own establishments.
The Slice of Life: Why Pizzerias Matter
According to Technomic, the U.S. pizza market is valued at over $46 billion, making it one of the largest segments in the restaurant industry. Pizzerias aren’t just places to grab a quick meal; they’re vibrant, communityfocused hubs that shape the food service industry. They drive culinary innovation, support local economies, and bring people together in a way that few other establishments can.
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
Christo’s Restaurant & Bar
Wallingford, CT
Interviewed: Christos Constanti
THE PIZZA KINGS OF CONNECTICUT
The Constanti family has been in the pizza business for over 45 years. It all started with Bill and Anna, who, along with Bill’s brother Nick, opened a small take-out restaurant. Over time, the business expanded into a full sit-down establishment. Bill and Anna had three sons—George, Christos, and Michael—who each became integral to the family business.
In 2006, Christos opened Christos Restaurant and Pizza in Wallingford, while his brothers continued working in the family venture. In 2008, Michael partnered with Christos, and they
Christo’s Restaurant & Bar
552 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT christospizzawlfd.com
worked together for the next 14 years. In 2019, Bill and Anna sold the original family restaurant in Prospect, CT. George went on to open Fuoco’s in Cheshire in 2020, and in 2021, Michael launched Luna Pizza in Naugatuck.
All three restaurants specialize in New Haven-style Apizza, known for its high-quality ingredients and consistency. The family takes pride in delivering exceptional pizza and treating every customer like family. Their reputation has grown so much that Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports dubbed them the “Pizza Kings of Connecticut.”
The Constanti family has been partnering with Ferraro Foods for many years, appreciating the quality products and exceptional service. Ferraro Foods consistently supports their growth by sourcing specialty items and going above and beyond to meet their needs.
Passionate about making pizzas, supporting their community, and working with trusted partners like Ferraro Foods, the Constanti family continues to build on their pizza legacy.
Fuoco Apizza
461 W Main St, Cheshire, CT fuocoapizza.com
Luna Woodfired Pizza
384 N Main St, Naugatuck, CT lunawoodfiredpizza.com
Click here to view Dave’s pizza review. Click here to view Dave’s pizza review. Click here to view Dave’s pizza review.
NAPOLI RISERVA PIZZA SAUCE
PREMIUM PIZZA SAUCE MADE FROM FRESH VINE RIPENED CALIFORNIA TOMATOES.
NAPOLI RISERVA PIZZA SAUCE BASIL 22%
Introducing our Napoli Riserva Pizza Sauce - a premium pizza sauce made from fresh vine ripened California tomatoes. Our tomatoes go from field to pack in 6 hours - keeping all the fresh flavors intact!
Ferraro# 1000763 | 6/#10 cn
Product Features:
• Clean flavor.
• Robust flavor due to amounts of seeds and peel.
• High yield.
Uses
• Great for pizza or other items that need a hint of basil.
Napoli Riserva contains
22%
Tomato solids - most brands only contain 17%-18%.
HAND STRETCHED PINSA SHELLS
CONVENIENT & VERSATILE, SIMPLY TOP, BAKE, & SERVE!
Made with quality ingredients
A crispy crust that is soft and airy on the inside, with large, fluffy air pockets that hold up beautifully when topped.
Par-baked for convenience
This crust has a minimal thaw time, that cooks well in any oven. It also holds and reheats better than traditional crust.
A healthier option with big flavor
Pinsa has less cholesterol, less fat, fewer calories, and fewer carbs than regular pizza.
FERRARO# 3802234
13 x 9 inch Oval
Pack/Size: 12/11 oz
ANTICA CORTE PEPPERONI
ANTICA CORTE PEPPERONIWHERE EVERY SLICE TELLS A TALE OF TRADITION
ANTICA CORTE OLD WORLD SLICED PEPPERONI
Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Italy with Antica Corte Old World Pepperoni.
Crafted with an old world secret recipe using only the finest cuts of meat, our pepperoni delivers a taste that brings you back to old world Italy.
Our distinct flavor profile will enhance your pizza and have your customers savoring every bite.
Ferraro# 4600814 | 2/5 lb
AnticaCorte
OLD WORLD
One Bite, Countless Memories
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONE BITE PIZZA FESTIVAL
On September 14th, over 10,000 pizza lovers gathered at Randall’s Island Park for the highly anticipated One Bite Pizza Festival, where Ferraro Foods proudly returned as the exclusive distributor sponsor for the second year in a row. The event showcased pizza
from 35 handpicked pizzerias, many of which are longtime Ferraro Foods customers. From the excitement of gifting Dave Portnoy a pair of custom New Balance sneakers to providing festival-goers with refreshing Italian ice, Ferraro Foods added its special touch to the event.
Attendees also enjoyed unique offerings like Ferraro’s Pizza Arancini booth, Mozzarella Sticks, Meatball Sliders and Caprese Skewers, creating a day filled with flavor, fun, and camaraderie among colleagues, customers, and pizza enthusiasts alike.
FRESCO BY FERRARO
Custom Kicks for the Pizza King
As a special tribute to Dave Portnoy, Ferraro Foods surprised him with a one-of-a-kind gift—a custom pair of New Balance sneakers featuring a pizza-andsports theme. The sneakers were a nod to Portnoy’s love for pizza and the Boston Celtics.
Mozzarella for the Masses
What’s better than a day filled with glorious mozzarella?
On a day when pizza reigned supreme, one breakout star of the festival was Ferraro Foods’ Finalmente Mozzarella Sticks! Garnering rave reviews from festival-goers, food influencers, and even Dave Portnoy himself, they were a crowd favorite.
Pizza Poppin
Ferraro Foods’ Pizza Poppers were a hit at the festival, offering a unique twist on classic pizza flavors. These crispy rice balls, filled with gooey mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, combined the best of pizza and arancini into a bite-sized treat!
Providing Sweet Relief
Ferraro Foods brought some much-needed relief to attendees by handing out refreshing Italian ices. The sweet, icy treats offered a nostalgic taste of summer while giving pizza lovers a cool break between slices.
Teamwork & Togetherness
While the pizza and treats were unforgettable, the true highlight of the day was the teamwork and camaraderie shared by everyone involved. The festival was more than just great food—it was about spending time together, supporting one another, and celebrating the shared passion for pizza!
Marino ravioli combines tradition with taste, featuring a variety of premium fillings encased in perfectly crafted pasta. Each bite delivers a rich, authentic flavor experience, making Marino ravioli a standout choice for elevating any menu.
Round Cheese Ravioli 1.1 oz
Ferraro# 4100205 | 6/12 ct
Round Lobster Ravioli 1.1 oz
Ferraro# 4100183 | 6/12 ct
Spinach and Cheese Ravioli Frozen
Ferraro# 4100208 | 72 ct
trends, inspire your menu and learn more about what we have to offer your business.
