Georgio's Pizza

When Ricky Abou-Jaoude decided it was time for his first entrepreneurial venture, lightning struck in the form of a stack of pizza boxes on his living room floor. Find out how he’s taking his newly acquired Georgio’s Oven Fresh Pizza Co. to a fresh new level and why you can still enjoy a delicious pizza for just $5.99.

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 08/20/2008
When Georgio’s Oven Fresh Pizza Co. founder George Chamoun opened his first restaurant in 1998, he did it with one goal in mind—to become the leader in the pizza industry. Ten years and 47 locations later, he’s doing just that.

He’s also inspired a new generation of pizzeria owners.

In Medina, Ricky Abou-Jaoude is the proud new owner of his first business—a Georgio’s pizza location. “I grew up around George and his family,” Ricky fondly recalls. “We’ve gone to church together and I’ve always felt like he was my mentor. I’ve eaten at Georgio’s two or three times a week for as long as I can remember. The only difference now is that I own the place.”

No stranger to management, or the restaurant business, Ricky decided to make a career change and tossed around some ideas with his dad. “I admire the way every Georgio’s location is focused on customer service and providing an outstanding product. I knew that if I were to put my name behind something, it would have to measure up to my standards. The only thing that made sense was Georgio’s,” he says.

Ricky’s touch can already be felt at the Medina location he purchased in January. “I’m making sure that our product exceeds the expectations of our customers,” he promises. “We make our dough fresh each day and top the pizzas with Georgio’s special recipe sauce and a 100% real cheese blend.” Georgio’s uses the highest quality products from Hormel and Tyson. Ricky and his crew even cut all of the vegetables used for toppings themselves—every morning.

“Every part of your Georgio’s pizza is made using the freshest and best ingredients we can find,” Ricky says.

“And the recipes all originated in Georgio’s family.”

“We’ve been successful over the years because we’ve kept our focus on providing high-quality food at affordable prices,” he adds.

And they’d rather make sure their customers have direct access to the owner anytime they need him.

“I’m here every day. If a customer has a concern, I take care of it immediately,” he emphasizes.

During a time when other pizza places have raised prices in order to continue offering their product, Georgio’s still features their signature Fresh-n-Ready large pepperoni or cheese pizzas for just $5.99—and they never skimp on ingredients. “You don’t have to call ahead, just stop in and we’ll always have a hot, fresh pizza ready to go,” Ricky assures. It’s a concept that no other pizza shop in the area can offer.

“We’ve streamlined our process and equipment, and Georgio’s is able to buy fresh ingredients in bulk. We then pass the savings on to our customers.” No mystery, just pure pizza magic.
The Fresh-n-Ready Combo is the perfect way to feed a family on the fly. For just $9.99—and in less than five minutes—a family of four can get a large pepperoni pizza, eight garlic breadsticks and a two-liter of Pepsi. That’s an amazing deal.

Of course Georgio’s also features delicious gourmet pizzas at affordable prices, too. Top yours with everything from grilled chicken to green peppers and pineapple. They’ve recently partnered with star quarterback Bernie Kosar to offer the new #19 Special (see the sidebar below for details).

The complete menu also includes lighter fare like fresh wraps, subs and salads, or calzones, hot subs, jojo’s, mozzarella cheesestix, fried chicken and wings for lunch on the go.

“In addition to running a successful restaurant, I’m focused on giving back to the community that supports us,” Ricky expresses. That’s why Georgio’s is the pizza of choice when Medina High School needs to feed the kids at prom, or the PTA is having a fundraiser.
Now that’s hot.

Visit the Medina Georgio’s Oven Fresh Pizza Co. at 861 North Court Street across from Giant Eagle. Call them at 330-723-0222, or visit the website at www.GeorgiosOFP.com. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

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