If you’ve lived in Arizona, chances are you’ve heard of Spinato’s Pizza. This beloved pizzeria has spent the past 50 years growing from its humble beginnings into a cherished local institution. What began as a small family-owned shop has flourished, largely due to word-of-mouth and an unwavering commitment to quality. Today, Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen proudly serves guests at six locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the newest addition located at the Epicenter in Agritopia, Gilbert.
Ken and Elaine Spinato’s journey began in 1974 when they opened their first pizzeria in Scottsdale. Their opening day sales totaled just 69 cents for an iced tea, a modest start that belied the future success of the business.
For the Spinato siblings, Nicole and Anthony, the family business has been a lifelong journey. “We grew up in the family business,” says Anthony. “When we were teens, we worked in almost every role… in the kitchen, making pizzas, as servers, interacting with guests, and eventually working our way up to management.” Though they both had different career aspirations—Nicole dreamed of being an interior decorator, and Anthony an architect—they found a way to incorporate those passions into the business as it expanded.
Today, the Spinato family continues to be deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of their restaurants. Anthony’s wife, Jaime, serves as the brand manager and community outreach director, while Nicole’s husband, Chris, manages catering. Even Ken Spinato, the patriarch of the family, remains active, visiting the restaurants regularly to ensure that the high standards he and Elaine set all those years ago are still being met.
What makes Spinato’s special? Some might say it’s their signature sauce, while others might point to the high standards of their food. But for the Spinato family, it’s all about delivering what they call “The Spinato’s Experience.” From the moment guests enter a Spinato’s restaurant, they are treated like family, a testament to the family’s belief that they are in the “people” business just as much as the “pizza” business. This focus on people drives their commitment to the community, to local vendors, and to ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied.
In Anthony’s words, “Our joy comes from making sure guests feel like they are part of our family.” And it’s this joy, this passion for people, that has made Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen a beloved Arizona institution for nearly five decades.
Spinato’s commitment to the community extends beyond their restaurants. The family’s dedication to charitable works is nearly as legendary as their pizza sauce. “We exist to enhance the lives of others,” says Anthony, echoing a mantra that has been passed down from his parents. Throughout the years, Spinato’s has supported countless local organizations, and in 2009, they established the Kenneth A. Spinato Foundation to focus their efforts on three key areas: kids, veterans, and service animals.
Jaime Spinato leads the company’s community outreach initiatives, working with more than 130 nonprofits each year. This includes pizza parties, gift card donations, and silent auction items, all of which contribute to the nearly $100,000 Spinato’s donates annually. One of their most recent initiatives is “The Kindness Challenge,” a campaign to support St. Vincent de Paul by encouraging guests to purchase “Kindness Bags” filled with essential items for those in need.
Spinato’s has become synonymous with sports in Arizona, holding the title of “Official Pizza” for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and, most recently, the Arizona Cardinals. This partnership ensures that fans can enjoy fresh, never-frozen pizza at Footprint Center in Phoenix and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, a testament to the quality and consistency that Spinato’s has upheld for nearly 50 years.
The decision to open a location at the Epicenter in Agritopia, Gilbert, was driven by a shared vision. After being introduced to Joe Johnston, the founder of Johnston & Co., the Spinato family knew that the Epicenter’s focus on community and family was a perfect match for their brand. “Gilbert’s strong family demographic aligns with our family-friendly culture,” says Anthony. The response from the Gilbert community has been overwhelmingly positive, validating their choice to expand there.
When it comes to eating out in Gilbert, Anthony has a few favorite spots, aside from Spinato’s, of course. For coffee, it’s Peixoto, and for dining, he enjoys the offerings of Buck & Rider, Matt’s Big Breakfast, and Gadzooks. And when he wants to bring home a treat for his daughters, nothing beats a ciabatta loaf from Source.
“Our joy comes from making sure guests feel like they are part of our family.”