Brothers operate Piccolo’s Pizzeria

TISKILWA — Brothers Raffaele “Ralph” and Giovanni “John” Piccolo are operating Piccolo’s Pizzeria in Tiskilwa, which opened Oct. 24.

“I have always wanted to do this,” said Raffaele, the owner. “I enjoy talking to people and cooking pizza. The opportunity came up to buy this place. We knew the people who were selling the building.”

Giovanni, the manager of Piccolo’s Pizza, use to operate a pizza place in El Paso, Ill. Their father, Gennaro Piccolo, ran a pizza place in Seneca in the 1980s.

They also have cousins operating pizza places in Venice, Italy.

The Piccolos expanded the menu of the former Guido’s Pizza, the business that used to be located at 127 E. Main St. in Tiskilwa, when they took over it and renamed it Piccolo’s Pizza.

“We also have pastas, sub sandwiches, pizza bread, pizza pockets and bread sticks,” said Raffaele. “We have had positive feedback from our customers.”

After taking over Oct. 1, the Piccolo brothers took about three weeks to update equipment inside the business, and improve the plumbing and electrical.

Raffaele Piccolo, who now lives in Chicago, would like to relocate to this area to help raise his family. He is married and has two children. Giovanni Piccolo lives in Spring Valley.

“This is a nice place to raise a family,” said Raffaele. “It is quiet.”

The Piccolos use family recipes for the pizza dough and sauces they utilize at their place.

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