Sixty nine cents is how much Ken and Elaine Spinato did on their first day at Spinato’s Pizzeria in 1974 at McDowell Rd. and 68th St in Scottsdale. Today the family owned pizzeria has grown to six locations around Phoenix and is the “official pizza” of the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury and now goes by Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. Ken is now the restaurant’s ambassador making the rounds at all locations greeting and thanking guests as he’s turned over the day to day operations to his son Anthony, daughter Nicole and their spouses Jackie and Chris and all have played an important role in the company growth over the 50 years.
“We realized we had to manage the complexities of growth, and that’s when we launched our family kitchen, where we make fresh dough and sauce every morning and experiment with recipes,” Anthony Spinato said. “We make about 40,000 pounds of dough each month and 37 proprietary items, all from fresh ingredients.”
He also gives credit to his Spinato’s family of 420 employees for the growth and success for 50 years. “We often say we’re in the ‘people business,’ not the ‘pizza business,’ and none of our success would be possible without our incredible team members. Without them, we would just be a family with a lot of ideas,” he said.
Celebrating 50 years at the family owned pizzeria
Known for their Chicago style pizza, sandwiches, pastas and more Spinato’s has new dishes on the menu including a keto crust made with chicken and adding to their bar menu and only serving locally brewed beers on draft. A new pizza will raise money for charity and upcoming promotions will celebrate its half century of success.
Stay Golden Pizza
All 6 locations are serving the new pizza and will donate proceeds to Magicians on Mission founded by magician Chris Rose. The local non-profit gets the best magicians from North America to travel around the world to boost the morale and mental health of military members deployed overseas.
The Stay Golden Pizza is available for dine in only and is made with a fig and roasted red pepper base, mozzarella cheese, nduja sausage, cherry tomato confit, pickled red onion, ricotta cheese, lonzino salami, Stracciatella cheese, fresh basil, Saba Italian drizzle and gold flakes. Prices are: Gluten Free, $20; Small, $25; and Large, $50.
22 Pizza Tattoo Designs
The family owned pizzeria has partnered with Sentient Tattoo Design to offer 22 Spinato’s inspired tattoos throughout 2024. Those who get inked with the flash tattoos at Sentient’s Smith Rd. location (home of Spinato’s original Tempe location) will receive a card for 50% off all year at any of the restaurants.
P.I.Z.Z.A Competition
During Suns watch parties at various locations, guests can play the H.O.R.S.E like game for a chance to win pizza for a month, tickets to Suns games and more. The competition kicks off January 31st at their Tempe (Rio Salado Pkwy) location.
Sign Up for Spinato’s newsletter
50 lucky winners who receive the newsletter will win a $50 gift certificate on their birthday in 2024. Also follow them on social media @SpinatosPizza for updates for more celebrating and gift giving.
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