July 3, 2018
By Jeff DiVeronica
(July 3, 2018 – Rochester, NY) – There’s another reason to celebrate this week besides the Fourth of July: Light a firecracker for Salvatore’s Pizzeria, which turns 40 on Thursday, July 5th! The Salvatore’s Pizza Family is grateful for the support Rochester has shown and will celebrate the big 4-0 throughout the months of July and August.
“Special thanks to anyone who has ever worn a Salvatore's uniform. We have been so fortunate to have the best staff and pizzeria owners in the business!” said Salvatore "SoccerSam" Fantauzzo, founder and CEO of Salvatore's. “We are extremely grateful for our customers, suppliers and marketing partners.”
Salvatore’s will commemorate its birthday with major donations to two of Rochester’s top charities: the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and Camp Good Days and Special Times. The company has raised more than $40,000 for the Breast Cancer Coalition and will donate $40,000 to Camp Good Days and Special Times.
Salvatore’s will hold a check presentation for both at the Rochester Lancers matches at Marina Auto Stadium on Saturday. The Lady Lancers play at 2 p.m. and Men at 5 p.m. Holly Anderson, the executive director of Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, will serve as honorary captain for the women’s match and Gary Mervis, founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times, will be honorary captain for the men’s match.
"We have supported various non-profits through the years and helped raise thousands for several great organizations. We are honored to have raised more than $40,000 from our stores’ pink (pizza) box campaign for the Breast Cancer Coalition and happy to donate $40,000 to Camp Good Days and Special Times,” said Salvatore’s Vice President, Ashley Maria King.
SoccerSam said throwing a party was considered to celebrate the milestone 40th anniversary of Salvatore’s, which now has 28 locations throughout the region. But …
“Then I ran into Gary and Wendy Mervis at a Lancers game. Gary is the founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times and I remembered all the great visits to the Camp and how hard Gary and Wendy work to provide free services to all campers and have an amazing staff,” SoccerSam said. “I talked to my wife, Linda, and we decided there was no better way for Salvatore’s to commemorate its 40th year!”
And to think this all started as a Home Economics project for Fantauzzo when he was 17 years old and a senior at Eastridge High in 1978. He opened his first store at 1985 E. Main St. in Rochester one month after graduation – on July 5, 1978.
“Today we have 28 locations and more than 1,500 people are employed by our franchise locations and outlets,” said Silvio Fantauzzo, President of Fantauzzo Family Brands (and SoccerSam’s son). “We are proud to provide great part- and full-time careers to many Rochester residents for the past 40 years.”
Salvatore's Announces the Pizza Hall of Fame
July 3, 2018 – The Salvatore's Pizza family is excited to pay tribute to all the loyal employees and support staff that have helped our company grow since 1978. Founder Salvatore "SoccerSam" Fantauzzo felt it was important to remember the great people that have been a part of the company since Day 1. Each year we will add new members to the Hall of Fame.
Inducted Franchisees: John Coraggioso, Charles Fantauzzo, Ray LoRe, Jack Grover, Chuck LaRocca, Irv Pudetti, Hassan Alsafadi, Mike DelGaizo, Lisa DelGaizo, Vinnie Valerie, Tonino Mangione, Chris & Clay Pearl, Roxanna Fantauzzo, Salvatore Fantauzzo II, Silvio Fantauzzo, Nick Pearl, Marco Palazzo, Carl Horsford, David Sykut, Dave Laspina, Dennis Glavas, Greg Dillingham, Jay Harrison, Mike Perrotta, Jon Gehrke, Craig Houghton, Sam Alsafadi, Nick Semeraro, Raimondo LoRe (Lil Ray), Chris & Toni Avery, Massimo & Sofia LoGuidice, Steve Stokes, Louis Fernandez, Ramez Alsafadi, George Moses, Frank Freida.
Class of 1978-1987: Teacher Adele Mitchell, Attorney Joe Guadagnino, Vince Cilino, Nino Cilino, Linda Calabrese, Grandma Carmela Oliveri, Aunt Mary Arbore, Mom Eva Fantauzzo, Aunt Mary Sampognaro, Aunt Anna Oliveri, Aunt Josephine DeLuca, Uncle Sam Arbore, Dad Silvestro Fantauzzo, Cousins Giacomo & Venera LoRe, Sister Valerie Fantauzzo, Lisa Arbore, Diana Calabrese, Gary DiGabriel, Enzo Vella, Phil Coraggioso, Dave Gross, Joe DeGeorge, Sebastian Curatalo, Tony Gabriele, Chuck Formoso, Luciano Arigo, Al Grimaldo, Carm Puglia.
Class of 1988-1997: Michael Steger, Cindy Wallace, Tom Frost, Kim DeLuca, Linda Oliveri, Helen Barbas, Charles Giglio, Lisa & Michelle Selden.
Class of 1998-2007: Michael Moran, Patty Powers, Alex Raffi, Dario Raffi, Dave Debole, Scott Cropsy, Peter Manglkrammer, John Catalano, Kay Johnson, Enza Sanfilippo, SoccerSam’s Pizza Pasta Café, Doug Lockwood, Chelsea Gersey, Tim Archetko, Rhonda Ingrassia.
Class of 2008-2017: Rita LoRe, Lyndsay DiMeo, Rich Randall, Donna Waasdorp, Kayla Kent, Chuck Arbore, Ashley Maria King, Maria LoRe, Brenda Sachs, Patty Valerie, Toni Grassadonia, Salvatore Coraggioso.
If you worked 10 or more years as a manager or contributor please email ashley@salvatores.com. We are also looking for pictures from locations and employees, email them with a date and photo description. Thank you!