Generations of pizza pies

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Len Ciannamea (left), Tony Ciannamea and Ben Ciannamea represent three generations at Capri's Pizza in Schererville, Ind. The families also own pizza shops in South Chicago and WhitingInd. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media

Updated: March 7, 2012 8:03AM

As a 5-year-old youngster learning the ins and outs of making pizza, Ben Ciannamea had no idea this experience would eventually dictate his calling in life.

“It was pure amusement at the time,” the new business owner, 27, laughed. “I was at my grandfather’s restaurant and didn’t think of this as work.”

Fast forward 22 years.

Along with his father Len Ciannamea, 52, Ben opened the doors to Capri Pizza in a small strip mall in Schererville in November, 2011.

The new establishment offers dining in, carryout and delivery.

According to the two men, they learned their trade from the best — family patriarch Tony Ciannamea.

Tony began a pizza restaurant on Chicago’s south side in 1955, and it became a staple in that community. The carry-out business continues in operation today, although Tony is retired. Len and Ben took over, but also knew they wanted to go toward unchartered territory — a dine-in establishment — in a different location.

“Many of our customers migrated to northwest Indiana and wanted to know when we were going to open a place there,” Ben said. “(Schererville) seemed like the natural place to be.”

Len agrees.

“I grew up in Calumet City, Ill., and was familiar with what was going on over the state line,” he said. “When we started to look for a location for our new place, we fell in love with this area. Everyone has been so welcoming, it was a good choice.”

The new business owners do have to travel a bit from home each day — Ben from Chicago and Len From Orland Park, Ill. And they are accompanied by Lena Ciannamea, Len’s wife and Ben’s mother, who also helps manage the business.

“We knew we were taking a chance (coming to Indiana), but it was a good fit for us,” she said. “We love serving this area and have had nothing but positive feedback since we opened.”

Tony Ciannamea, 86, hails from Bari, Italy, and was 22 when he settled in Chicago. After getting married and working construction for 10 years, he decided to open a pizza business.

He is proud of his son and grandson and their foray into an expanded pizza eatery. He visits on a regular basis, as a customer and observer only, he says.

“I was a little apprehensive when they told me about this new business. It’s a tough economy today, days were different when I first opened in Chicago. But people have to eat,” the Orland Park resident said. “My son and grandson have a lot of experience and know what they are doing. They have my blessing.”

Len’s two other sons — Lenny Jr. and Anthony — have careers away from the restaurant, but give moral support, nonetheless.

“Anthony is going to paint a mural on one of the dining room walls,” Len said. “It’s going to depict my father’s first business — a part of 1955 history in south Chicago.”

Father and son continue to cut and grind their own meat, as Tony taught them to do years ago. They feel the little touches such as the fresh sausage, and adding specific combinations of seasonings to the food, is what will draw customers to their new place.

The restaurant business runs in the family, as cousins of the Ciannamea family run a carry-out pizza restaurant in Whiting.

The colorful dining room in Schererville seats 40, and you can watch one of two flat-screen televisions while waiting for your order.

In addition to Chicago-style
pizza, the menu includes broasted chicken, ribs, pasta and sandwiches.