A Pizza Recipe That Goes Back Four Generations to Italy Fuels This Providence Small Business

A Pizza Recipe That Goes Back Four Generations to Italy Fuels This Providence Small Business

Frank Schiavone, owner of Francesco’s Pizza on Hope Street in Providence, appeared on GoLocal LIVE to discuss the business, his family history, and Providence Pizza Week, going on right now. 

“We’re family-owned. My mother works with us, and as a small child, 'work' was my babysitter,” said Schiavone, of growing up in the industry. “I come from a single-parent home, I was the dishwasher, she was the bartender, the waitress, and when I was old enough to cook I was cooking.”

Schiavone discussed the innovative toppings offered at Francesco’s — and the family’s history of pizza. 

“This is the fourth generation in the making,” said Schiavone, of a great, great, great uncle who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s from Caserta — and how the use of Caputo flour is part of Francesco’s pizza magic.

Now, Schiavone is expanding into gelato - and offering for canine customers — and more.