We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nick Ingrande a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

At Don’s Sicilian Specialty Foods, family is at the center of the business, whether it is the recipe of our homemade dough that has been passed down from generation to generation or the Don’s pizza slingin’ employees, my brothers, cousins, and goombadi. As with any inspiring entrepreneur, I am fortunate to have multiple outstanding mentors within the family.

Growing up, always having family around was normal. To others, not so much. Here at Don’s, we strive to bring a family atmosphere to our business culture.

We’re building a culture where people feel known, supported, and valued like family. Whether you’re a customer, vendor, or team member, we want you to feel that sense of belonging. To us, business is not just about transactions, it’s about the family connection built.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Nick Ingrande, A Sicilian-American entrepreneur and the founder of Don’s Sicilian Specialty Foods. A family-driven business born from countless pizza parties thrown by my parents in the backyard growing up. The start was just building a big pizza oven from the ground up with my dad and brothers, and it grew into so much more.

As I got older, I realized how rare that kind of atmosphere was in today’s fast-paced world, and I wanted to recreate it for others.

At Don’s, we specialize in mobile catering for events of all sizes. From graduation parties and weddings to corporate gatherings and community festivals. We bring the oven, the fire, the fresh ingredients, and the “Sicilian Steez”.

Our Menu Includes homemade pizzas from fresh ingredients, such as the classic Margherita to a Signature Sicilian Style “Sfincione.” We also include custom packages of salads & appetizers

A ton of places make great pizza, but we bring the amazing atmosphere that will have your screaming “Minchia Che Bella!” from the first pie straight out of the oven. And at the heart of it all is a family-style service. Warm, reliable, and with a personal touch.

We are most proud of the delicious pizzas we make. and love being part of the memories created at birthdays, baby showers, and much more.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

After countless events and sometimes having extra dough to sling. My crew and I make sure not to waste food. As my Nonnu, who immigrated from the small town of Mazarra Del Vallo, Sicily, says, “It’s a Sin to waste food.” At the end of the night, we make sure to box up the extra pies and use them for the best marketing strategy.

We surprise the local nightlife by offering free pizza to those waiting in line at clubs and bars. As we hand out slices of fresh pizzas, we film impressed first bite reactions and get permission to promote Don’s Sicilian Specialty Foods on our social media.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Growing up in a big Sicilian family, word gets around quickly within the Italian community. From there, it is a matter of capitalizing. Starting at the first bar and first graduation party, we were sure to be on our A game, as we always are. We have impressed countless clients with our fresh dough, ingredients, and presentation.

Creating a logo and image for Don’s is proving to draw more customers who love repping and purchasing our “Sicilian Steez” through our hats and T-shirts.

Staying energetic and networking is a big part of the service industry, which comes easily for us, crazy Sicilians.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.donsssf.com/
• Instagram: dons.ssf