By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale said making pizza is what she does, but serving the community is what she loves.
While the pizza store owner loves serving her community with some of the “finest authentic pizza around,” what Vitale really values are the relationships and connections she has made over the years with her customers.
Home of the 24” pizza, Palermo Pizza celebrated 61 years of its family-owned operation with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12 at her Wyoming location, 735 36th St. SW.
“We have been serving the community for 61 years,” Vitale said. “My location is still family-owned and operated and the oldest location.”
A platform of community service
“My business provides me with a platform to do what I love,” said Vitale, who’s determined to continue the legacy set forth by Andrew Vitale with compassion and hard work.
“I never imagined that the roots planted by Andrew Vitale would allow me to set my dreams into action,” Vitale said. “Palermo is a staple in the community, but it has also given me the roots and foundation to be an activist in the community.”
She believes that her business is “above and beyond these four walls.”
A legacy of quality pizza
Palermo Pizza opened on Grandville Avenue in 1962 by Andrew Vitale, with the 36th St. location opening a year later.
Janice Vitale has been part of the Palermo chain for 29 years and prides herself on the quality of their products.
“We don’t cut corners or chase deals,” Vitale said. “At Palermo, we choose the best ingredients in the industry to provide an outstanding product.”
From anchovies to cheese, Palermo Pizza uses only fresh products, several of them homemade.
“Our dough is made fresh daily using the same original family recipe,” said Vitale, noting that Palermo’s pizza sauce, dough and sausage are homemade as well.
Palermo’s staff also grinds their own cheese and slices their own meats and vegetables.
A family-oriented endeavor
Four of Vitale’s children work at Palermo’s with her. Taylor Vitale is the Operations Manager and Consultant, while Tasha, Mackenzie and AJ fill various roles at the store.
“Having my kids and family members work with me helps ensure that our customers will always experience the original taste of our secret family recipes,” Vitale said. “We are very family-friendly and pride ourselves on our kindness and generosity.”
Giving back and making a difference
Creating connections and memories, celebrating special events with customers, working alongside amazing people, and sponsoring young athletes and students while continuing to grow the Palermo brand is an undertaking that Vitale describes as “rather incredible.”
“Having become a well-respected leader in the Grand Rapids area, I get to share my passion for serving and making a difference in the lives of many,” Vitale said.
That difference comes in many forms, including donating residential air conditioners and helping to fund funerals and cancer treatments. These donations are underwritten by funds donated in exchange for marketing on her pizza box toppers.
But Vitale says she was never alone in her efforts.
“I can’t do what I do without the support of my customers,” Vitale adds.
“I am so proud and privileged to be a staple in this community,” Vitale continued. “It truly is businesses like Marge’s Donut Den, Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, and many others that stitch our community together. It is an honor to support, and be supported, by such an amazing community.”
