Making hot, crusty, delicious pizza is a family tradition at Nonno’s Pizza with recipes and ingenuity honed over the generations. On a busy day, you’re likely to see owner Joe Facciponte joined by at least one of his family members by his side – a tradition that began when Joe was only eight.
When his Sicilian parents moved to Manalapan, NJ, and opened their first restaurant, Joe’s first responsibilities included kneading the dough, folding pizza boxes, wiping tables and sweeping floors. He now continues that family tradition with his 9-year-old daughter Gia, his nieces and nephew, respectively, Juliana (15), Jenarosa (7) and John (13) — joining Joe’s wife Vicki, siblings and brother-in-law — in helping at Nonno’s Pizza in Howell Plaza Shopping Center. Joe opened his first parlor in 1981.
“Watching my parents interact with our local loyal customers is the basis for how I treat and treasure our local Howell guests,” Joe explains. He continues, “I derive much personal satisfaction through serving our community and being a part of making Howell a friendly place to live.”
Joe’s advice in business and in pizza-making: “treat customers as family and craft your pizza with love.”
Joe’s Tips on Making Pizza at Home
Great pizza takes practice, but mishaps can be fun. According to Joe, the best part is eating your mistakes. Visit www.HowellPlaza.com for step-by-step videos covering how to air spin, tips for a crunchy pizza and assemblage techniques.
It’s hot in here
Heat oven to 500 degrees with a pizza stone, pizza screen or cookie sheet on lowest oven rack. A hot stone creates the best crunch while a screen allows heat to directly hit the crust.
Throwing an air spin
Watch Joe’s overhead technique online.
Make art
When is a pizza a pizza? When it has dough and a topping. It can be cheese-less or cheese-full; no sauce or overflowing with it; just the basics or with creative toppings. Try making your own dough or ask Joe or one of his family members about purchasing one from Nonno’s ball.
Less is more
Oversaucing leads to a soggy crust, but is there really such a thing as too much cheese?
Stop by Howell Plaza’s Nonno’s to check out the array of pizza and Italian specialties.