(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The owner of Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine says he’s working to be the best in the world.
Giovanni Labbate opened Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine in 2023, but he’s been around the pizza business for decades.
He told the WBBM Noon Business Hour that he learned the art of pizza-making from his father.
“My dad was an Italian immigrant,” Labbate said. “He came into the U.S. probably in the early ’60s and, you know, just opened up pizzerias with him and his brother, and we’ve been doing it ever since. He was my idol.”
Labbate has been making a name for himself in his own right, though. He’s won two first place awards for his pizza. Earlier this year Labbate was named grand champion at the California Pizza Challenge, which means he's qualified to compete at the world pizza championship in Italy next year.
He credited his wife for the motivation and inspiration.
“[She] definitely pushes me and helps me along the way, and she actually came up with the ingredients for the … pizza in California, and I just put it all together,” he said.
As for the secret to a great pizza, Labbate said it’s the dough.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok