Bites Nearby: Longo's Pizza & Joey's Italian Grille

Today is the second anniversary of Joe Longo’s second restaurant, called Joey’s Italian Grille, in Chardon. Madison was and remains his first opening.

But for Mentor residents the name Longo dates back to 1969, when Joe's parents opened the first on Lakeshore Boulevard, and then a six years later at 8907 Mentor Ave. Both remain open today.

Joe started working for his parents, Joe Sr. and Patricia, full-time at 15 as a busboy carting crates of tomatoes around. Now 45, Joe has worked three decades in pizza and Italian food and oversees the Longo empire with his sister, Tina Greci.

Sharing theories on running a successful family business isn't something Joe necessarily likes to do. He says for him it's about service and food, the things he was taught. He once tried franchising in the 1980's like many successful pizzerias, but found that to be a failure.

"Giving back, helping with fundraisers," he told when his Chardon location first opened. "It was amazing how many people told me we needed another family place here in town."

The Longo's and Joey's menus are mostly consistent throughout their four locations. Chicken parmigiana and chicken Madison — both $12.49 at Longo's — are on the dinner menu, with baked penne, lasagna and meatballs and jumbo ravioli all under $12. Subs, like eggplant parmigiana, run under $8.

Pizza — "our original Longo's pizza, made fresh daily for over 40 years" — is affordable, $9.99 for a XL 16-inch cheese. Personally, Longo's pizza,  served at both Joey's restaurant locations as well, gets a higher grade than other chain pizza shops because of its toppings. Cheese is usually cheese and pepperoni rarely surprises. But toppings like sausage, ham and mushrooms can have large floors — and in Joey's case — ceilings. Their toppings are top of the heap.

Joey's has a broader menu with more steak and seafood items, though the prices are always in the family restaurant range. The locations in Chardon and Madison open at 4 p.m. during the week and 11:30 a.m. on the weekends, and have bars and outside patios. Longo's keeps normal pizza shop hours.

"We've never tried to nickel and dime anyone," Joey  said. "If you order a dinner, you get a salad."

Four family-owned restaurants and the Longo's catering company, Cater 2 You, employ more than 200 people. For all as much information as you could possibly need, including live music schedules and Facebook links, visit Longo’s at www.longospizza.com and Joey’s at www.joeysitaliangrille.com.