📌 On this episode of the Two Stunads Podcast, we sit down with Pete Caruso, owner of the legendary Pasta Mia and a staple in the Chicago restaurant scene. Pete’s story is about more than pizza and pasta — it’s about family, community, hustle, and building a business that feels like home.

Pete shares how old-school marketing (think flyers, church parking lots, and roller-skating kids) built his brand, the challenges of running a family restaurant through COVID and inflation, and why creating a neighborhood vibe matters more than fancy menus or chains. We also dive into his family legacy, work ethic, and how he balances business with life as a dad and grandfather.

🔥 Topics we hit:

» The story behind Pasta Mia and how it became a neighborhood institution

» The grind of old-school restaurant marketing before social media

» What COVID taught him about the restaurant business

» Building family values into the workplace

» Pizza talk: pineapple, tavern-style, and award-winning BBQ chicken pizza

» Advice for anyone crazy enough to want to open a restaurant today

👉 Connect with Pasta Mia & Pete Caruso

Website: https://www.pastamiabartlett.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastamiabartlett/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastamiabartlett

👉 Connect with the Two Stunads

Subscribe here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twostunadspodcast

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2stunads/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twostunadspodcast

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twostunadspodcast

💬 If you got anything out of today’s episode, make sure you like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. New episodes drop every week — don’t miss the next one!