Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Pizza Story Podcast! This week, I'm talking to Garrett Klein from Vincenzo's of Levittown, and his story is unlike anything I've heard! He traded a career as a mental health clinician for the kitchen, and the result is a truly special, family-first pizzeria built on community, passion, and, of course, incredible New York-style pizza 🍕!

You'll hear Garrett explain his wild path. After getting a degree in psychology and working for six years helping adults with complex mental health needs, he realized he was getting burnt out by high-stress, uncontrollable situations. He never stopped working in pizzerias on the side, though, and eventually discovered where his true calling was. The immediate gratification and manageable stress of the kitchen—compared to the serious issues he was dealing with before—led him to open Vincenzo's Pizzeria eight years ago right in his hometown of Levittown, New York ♥️!

🎙 Episode Highlights: 

✅ Garrett's dream of business ownership was inspired by his father and grandfather who both owned businesses when he was growing up.

✅ This is a true family affair! Garrett and his fiancée run the show. She handles the orchestrating, finance, and everything behind the scenes, while he's up front making the pies and talking to customers. They couldn't do it without family support, including his long-time friend who helps keep the kitchen running smoothly.

✅ The Art of the Pie: You'll hear about how Garrett learned to make pizza through pure osmosis, watching his first boss make every pie—and how he finally found his own "touch," ensuring every crust is perfect.

✅ While they stick to a traditional New York thin crust, they love to get creative! We talk about amazing creations like the Tie-Dye Pie (a mix of Grandma sauce, pesto, and vodka sauce) and the fantastic Holy Matrimony Pie made with Holy Hot Honey! If you love spicy sweetness, you need to check this out!

Vincenzo's isn't just a place to eat—it's the heart of the first suburb in America! Because Garrett grew up in Levittown, he's fully dedicated to giving back whether he’s sponsoring local sports teams or hosting regular fundraisers. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves supporting a local, family-owned and operated pizzeria.

🔗 Follow @vincenzosoflevittown -  if you’re ever in the Long Island area, stop by and try their amazing pizza 

🎙Like, follow, and subscribe to The Pizza Story Podcast to watch Erica D’Arcangelo interview some of the most awesome and talented people in the pizza industry 👱🏼‍♀️.

🇮🇹 A Story About Pizza

Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza

A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993

Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/

Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

#pizza #vinzenzospizza #longisland #nypizza