A Taste of Italy in Jeannette – Sforno with David Avolio

I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Avolio, the passionate owner of Sforno, an Italian eatery located in the heart of Jeannette. David shared the story behind Sforno, which translates to “Out of the Oven,” and how he brought his family’s rich Italian heritage to the local culinary scene.

David’s journey into the restaurant business was a natural progression from his life-long involvement in the pizza food distribution industry. After his family sold the company that they started, he seized the opportunity to realize his dream of opening a restaurant that would reflect the quality and traditions he grew up with. Sforno is a culmination of David’s industry knowledge, his family’s authentic Italian recipes, and his personal experiences in Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhoods.

The eatery’s menu is a testament to David’s Italian roots, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations. The star of the menu is the pizza, particularly the sauce, which is a recipe from David’s mother’s great-grandmother. The menu also features sandwiches named after family businesses and playful nods to David’s childhood, such as Garbage Pail Kid-inspired names.  The menu has recently been expanded from traditional pizza and flatbreads to salads and haogies.

David’s connection to Jeannette runs deep, with his family’s history in the town dating back to when his relatives first immigrated to the United States. After spending years in Pittsburgh, the pandemic brought him back to Jeannette, where he decided to establish Sforno in a building his family already owned.

Since opening in July 2023, Sforno has been well-received by the community and visitors from surrounding areas. The traditional pepperoni pizza and the specialty Betty White pizza have quickly become crowd favorites. David’s commitment to quality and community has not gone unnoticed, with customers traveling from as far as Johnstown to enjoy the Sforno experience.

I’ve had the pleasure of sampling Sforno’s creations, and the hype is real.  My personal favorites are the traditional pepperoni pizza and the “Hen Solo” flatbread.   If you’re looking for a pizza with that “buffalo wing taste” – try the “Cluck Norris”…

Looking ahead, David has plans to renovate the second floor of the building, potentially expanding the business while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that patrons have come to love. For now, Sforno operates four days a week, and while there’s no online ordering, customers can find them on Facebook or Google for a delightful dine-in or takeout experience.

If you’re in the Jeannette area, and want a great meal, visit Sforno’s Facebook Page to place an order or make reservations!