You will feel like you are back in a NJ/NYC pizzeria circa 1968 when you enter the Smiling With Hope Pizzeria. It is modeled on the small family pizzerias/Italian cafes Walter grew up with. The pies are prepared as they were 50 years ago and baked in 1960’s gas deck ovens which are still considered the Holy Grail for NY pizza. Walter began his culinary training at home in New Jersey in the 1950’s. His mother and her family were great cooks from Italy and he became fascinated with their dishes as a young child. His passion for NY pizza is going on 60 years and has won over thousands of fans around the world. The pies are hand stretched/tossed, and baked direct on the oven stones which creates the ideal NY crust and are guaranteed to satisfy the NY pizza connoisseur.

For 22 years Walter created award winning pizzeria/bakery businesses in CA/TX/OH public schools that trained students with disabilities for competitive work. These programs gathered international attention and the mission will continue with the Smiling With Hope Pizza. It is designed to be a work in progress employing/training people with Developmental Disabilities. Our ultimate goal is to become non-profit and provide safe housing, pension plans, vacations, for our employees.