Contessa's Pizzeria Owner: 'We've Come A Long Way in 4 Years'
Geno Ivey looks back on the last four years as his pizza shop celebrates an anniversary and credits much of Contessa's success to its faithful customers
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Contessa's Pizzeria owner Geno Ivey says one of the most important things about running a restaurant is that the customers have to be happy, and they have to be having fun.
That's obviously what he's doing.
Anyone who's dined inside the restaurant at 6630 Wise Ave. has probably heard a joke or two from Ivey as he cranks out dish after dish, clocking 80-some hours a week.
Ivey talked to North Canton Patch recently about what has made the business a success as it celebrates four years of serving up Italian dishes.
"We've come a long way in four years — from knowing nothing about the business," said Ivey, who'd been selling cars for 27 years before opening up Contessa's. "A lot of stuff we learned on the fly. Customers helped a lot with comments. ... A lot of good suggestions, and we went with it."
Ivey says the business thrives mainly because of its customers. He gave much credit to those who've made Contessa's a routine stop during lunchtime or dinnertime.
He said many order items that aren't on the menu. And is that an issue for Ivey? Not at all. He's happy to experiment with ingredients and find something that suits his customers. In fact, there are about 30-35 dishes he sells that aren't even on the menu.
One is what Ivey calls the "angry pasta" — six different spicy peppers and cajun chicken served with angel hair pasta.
"It is hot, hot, hot," he says.
Ivey says he's spent too much of his life doing something he wasn't passionate about. Now he finally gets to do something he loves: cooking — something his grandma taught him to do when he was just 5.
To his customers, Ivey says this: "Thank you for supporting me, and watching me grow, and helping me grow. And for staying with me through all my highs and lows."
leah
8:42 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Absolutely the best pizza in town!
Carole
8:48 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I can honestly say that the spaghetti sauce is the best I've ever eaten!! I love this place!
Rob Netro
9:31 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I've gone to see Geno several times after my weekly Golf league. The last time I was there, my wife called to see if I could bring some Eggplant parmesan home. I asked Geno if he had any, and he said he'd have to go look. Several minutes later, flashlight in hand (it was 8:30pm and dark!), we found the last eggplant that he had growing in his garden. He picked it, cooked it and Sarah said it was fantastic!
Audrey Fuller
10:22 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Best pizza ever!! Wish the dining room was bigger though and Gino is a great guy. So friendly!!
Tammy Anderson
11:07 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Geno is an amazing man who has dedicated his life and given up so much to do what makes him the happiest and that is making so many around him happy and treating them like family... and if course if you haven't ate there, shame on you and if you have,you know that you dont ever leave hungry...Congratulations!!! and I wish you many more years of success... I am so proud of you...
Michelle Beyer
1:15 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I met Gene a few years ago when my boyfriend told me I had to try Gene's Italian food. Being Itlaian and from NJ I could not find real Italian dishes. I told Gene he had his work cut out for him. He surpased my expectations. Then I started cooking with him. To my surprise we had basically the same meatball recipe. He also showed me how to make the best wedding soup in Ohio. That is what someone said to me after I made it for a Tea Party. Thanks Gene! Love you, and wish you many more years of doing what you love to do. We are thankful for it. Salute!
Daniel J Peters
4:21 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Geno is THE man! lasagna, angry pasta, pizza, eggplant parmesan....i'm getting hungry just typing this. Congrats on all your success, and here's to many more years to come!! We'll be enjoying another 6 course meal there is less than a month. This has become a Holiday/family tradition and we are so honored and happy that Geno is a part of that! See ya soon brother.....
Mark Bradford
1:18 pm on Monday, April 1, 2013
Sounds like a trip to Canton is in order! Nothing but good reviews+italian food=experimental worthiness!