By NATE HEFFRON

City manager

City of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — The Gravedoni family has been making pizza since the 1970’s. Now that generations-old family tradition has a new, although familiar face, with the opening of Gravedoni’s Pizza at the beginning of December.

Vince Gravedoni, the son of Clark and owner of Pasquali’s, is owner-operator of the new pizzeria. Gravedoni’s Pizza is located where many would remember two other former pizzerias, Paisano’s Pizza, and most recently, Teal Lake Pizza. In, both cases, the location remans a pizza shop that has traditionally done well, it changed hands when the former owners decided it was time to retire.

“It’s kind of neat, my grandfather built this building and ran a pizza business out of here with Nancy Fosco. It’s like the whole thing has come full circle, this just means a lot to me”, Vince said.

Vince grew up in the food service business learning how it all worked at his dad’s place, Pasqualis.

“I worked there for 15-years. I thought I would try something new, maybe a new venture. That’s when I opened Gravedoni’s Street Eats”, he said.

Gravedoni’s Street Eats, was a food trailer that Vince would take to different locations and events, where he would sell cudighis and hotdogs.

“It was a great business to have when you are younger and single, not as many worries you know. I have a family now and need to be more settled” Vince said. He further explained that during Covid his plans had to change, “Business changed, no one was having events or gatherings, I had to change my business model, he said.

Vince transitioned into catering gigs. He was working out of Pasqualis kitchen, a space he soon learned was not big enough for the two businesses working at the same time. This led to him looking for a space he could call his own, a place he could start a new business altogether.

Gravedoni’s Pizza is not just pizza, they also serve up a variety of other menu items such as cudighis, salads, sandwiches, and more. The pizza is different from Pasqualis. “It took what I learned, adjusted things, added a little here and there and put my own touch on things”, he said.

Gravedoni’s Pizza makes a large portion of their products in house, such as the breads, cudighi, sauces, and more.

“We locally source our pork for our cudighis from 24-midwestern farms, providing a higher quality and more sustainable product,” Vince said.

Five years from now, Vince hopes Gravedoni’s Pizza will not only thrive in its current spot-on Croix Street, but expand to a second location.

Although his family is young, I asked, if he saw Gravedoni’s Pizza as a family business – something he could pass down to your daughter someday?

“I could only hope,” he said, “but only if they wanted.”

Gravedoni’s Pizza is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a. m. to 8 p. m. and closed Sunday and Monday. You can learn more about the menu by visiting the business’ Facebook page.

Gravedoni’s Pizza, I believe is the only lakeside restaurant in Marquette County. A special place to Forge your Adventurous tastebuds while you enjoy your meal on their newly refurbished deck, watching the sunset. I hope that you will give them a try, you won’t regret it!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nate Heffron is city manager of the city of Negaunee.