The Sarpino’s Pizzeria slogan is “Gourmet Quality, Supreme Convenience”, but does this pizza place live up to it’s name?
“I don’t usually like to feature national pizza franchises because the big companies generally have multi-million-dollar advertising budgets to get their names out there. I prefer to shine a spotlight on small, independent businesses that could use a little extra attention. But every now and then, there is a franchise that is absolutely worthy of a mention simply because of the quality of the food they offer and what they do for the communities they’re in.
Sarpino’s Pizzeria is one of those exceptions.
While it may be a franchise, Sarpino’s emphasis on fresh ingredients, made from scratch dough, and gourmet-style pizzas makes it an interesting and delicious alternative to the usual big name pizza chains.
Sarpino’s actually got its start in Canada before moving into the American pizza market. Their first location opened in Victoria, British Columbia, in 2001, founded by restaurateur Gerry Koutougos. The story behind the name is pretty interesting. During a trip to Italy in 1999, Koutougos reportedly visited a small restaurant run by a woman named Sarpina. He was so impressed with her cooking that he spent time learning traditional Italian recipes in her kitchen. Inspired by the experience, he returned to Canada and eventually opened Sarpino’s Pizzeria, naming the business in her honor.
Since those early days in Vancouver, Sarpino’s has grown well beyond its Canadian roots. The company expanded to the United States in 2003, opening its first American location in Phoenix, Arizona. Today, the brand has an estimated 64 locations across 12 U.S. states, with a particularly strong presence in the mid west United States. Interestingly, Canada remains a much smaller part of the operation, with there being only a handful of locations in British Columbia. Despite their growth, Sarpino’s still has the feel of a neighborhood pizzeria.
Sarpino’s might not be a household name like Domino’s or Pizza Hut, but it has made its mark in the pizza industry. The company’s current national sales ranking isn’t publicly confirmed, but in the past they’ve ranked 48th nationally among U.S. pizza chains in sales, generating approximately $37 million in annual sales. That’s a pretty impressive accomplishment for a relatively small franchise.
Of course, a good backstory and impressive sales figures only gets you so far. What really matters is the pizza. Sarpino’s offers freshly prepared dough, Italian-inspired recipes, and a menu that goes well beyond the basics. They’ve also got a selection of salads, wings, pasta, and other things to compliment the pizza.
I’m pretty fond of the pizza at Sarpino’s, but I think they do also live up to their slogan. The pizza is always consistent, it tastes fresh, and it’s made with quality ingredients. Sarpino’s is open 365 days a year with FREE delivery and no hidden fees (if you order direct from the store). This is important when you’re in need of some good pizza on Thanksgiving, Christmas, when everyone else is closed. If you’re a late night pizza eater, they’re open later than most places too.
Just because there’s a recognizable name on the sign doesn’t mean there isn’t a hardworking entrepreneur behind the counter. I’m still a big believer in supporting independent pizzerias over national chains, but I also believe in giving credit where it’s due. Independent Sarpino’s owners have great pride in their stores, and it shows.
I’ve always believed in supporting the people who take the financial risk, put in the long hours, and invest their own money to open up a business, whether it’s a franchise or not. The people behind the scenes are taking a dream and trying to do something with it.
At the end of the day, it’s about more than just good pizza. It’s about supporting the hardworking people behind the businesses who help make our local communities what they are. Especially when it involves pizza!
If you haven’t tried Sarpino’s yet, go check them out!
~ Marty The Pizza Guy ~
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