Pam Grandizio of O’Hara went through a week-long pizza training boot camp to prep for her latest food and beverage adventure — opening a nationally franchised pizza shop in O’Hara.
“I learned so much in five days I thought my head was going to explode,” said Grandizio, originally from Greenville, S.C.
Grandizio opened a Fox’s Pizza Den on April 2 in O’Hara.
She immersed herself in pizza world by shadowing for several days at a Fox’s in Plum.
She described the experience as overwhelming, even after decades-long restaurant experience on her restaurant resume that includes most recently, managing Pusadee’s Garden in Lawrenceville and before that, Noodlehead in Shadyside.
The decision to be her own boss was not an initial goal, but she’s happy it’s a reality.
“I loved it and gained so much experience. I didn’t think I’d do something on my own but all of the sudden, the pieces just started coming together,” Grandizio said.
Her decision was spurred on when she visited a Fox’s Pizza Den owned by a friend father’s in Johnstown.
“The minute I walked in, I knew,” Grandizio said. “I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 14. I never thought I would stay in that business.”
A Duquesne alumnus, Grandizio, 49, worked briefly after college as a social worker but returned to the food and hospitality industry.
She went from overseeing almost 200 employees while working for the owners of Pusadee’s Garden to around 10 employees at Fox’s, located along Old Freeport Road.
Her 12-year-old son Deacon is autistic and is enrolled in learning support at Hartwood Acres Elementary School in the Fox Chapel Area School District. He inspired an employment initiative.
“I had this idea because my son loves to cook. He’s non-verbal but can cook by following a recipe,” she said. “If my son can bake a cake with me and make dinner with me, then anyone can help at a pizza shop.”
Grandizio called almost a dozen agencies seeking to partner with a workplace program to assist individuals with autism.
She only heard back from one agency — Wesley Family Services based in RIDC Park in O’Hara.
Wesley provides support services to more than 20,000 individuals in Western Pennsylvania and has offices in Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
“I have a lot of plans for community engagement,” Grandizio said. “I’m working with a local job skills training program for individuals with autism.”
Grandizio hired Corey Kidd, a 37-year-old with autism, to work at Fox’s.
The Community Employment Services program Kidd participates in at Wesley falls under the Intellectual Developmental and Disability Department and offers facility based vocational-based rehabilitation.
A job coach accompanies Kidd during his weekly shift and Kidd is paid the same hourly wage as his co-workers.
His once-a-week job duties include tasks such as folding boxes and restocking inventory and supplies.
“I’ve really enjoyed working at Fox’s Pizza,” Kidd said. “As a member of the team, I make sure customers have what they need for their pizzas and help make sure the shop is organized. I also like working with my coworkers and it’s been nice getting to know them.”
Grandizio said the program is running smoothly.
“We’ve been taking it slow but it feels so good to give him a shot. I want someone to give my son a shot one day,” Grandizio said of the reason she wanted to implement a program to help others with autism.
Wesley Family Services Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program director Tracey McKinnon praised Grandizio’s efforts and compassion to help others.
“For business owners like Pamela Grandizio, their partnership means everything to us and our consumers. Providing a job to an adult with an intellectual and developmental disability can be life-changing for that person. It gives them purpose, independence and helps them foster connections with the community,” McKinnon said. “I would encourage any company — small or large — to consider following Pamela’s business model.”
Local support
She said customers have expressed they’re happy to have another pizza option.
“They’re so excited to have a Fox’s in this area,” Grandizio said. “Fox’s has been around so long it’s nostalgic for some customers. I think it reminds them of their childhood.”
Popular gourmet pizzas include the bacon dill pickle, taco, bacon double cheeseburger and sweet garlic chicken.
Grandizio expressed gratitude for the business and warm welcome she’s received since opening in April.
“Being a female owner — with kids in the Fox Chapel Area District — it’s a franchise, but it’s me, a local person. My name is on the lease,” she said.
Grandizio is married to Shady Side Academy alumnus Bob Grandizio, who grew up living on the SSA campus because his father was a teacher there.
Their daughter Marley Grandizio, 19, works at Fox’s while on summer break from Fairfield University.
Marley Grandizio said the autistic program is a win-win.
“I think it’s great that we can employ people who might struggle working or finding a job somewhere else,” she said.