Italian Sensation Owner Takes Pride in His Pizzas

Being the owner doesn't mean you don't make the pizzas.

Maurizio Illiano, 41, prides himself on working in his restaurants. Illiano owns three Italian Sensation shops in Bel Air, Fallston and, as of this month, Perry Hall.

Located near the along Belair Road, he said he's well acquainted with the risks of opening a restaurant.

"There's always a risk when you open a restaurant, good economy or bad economy, but it's a risk you have to take," Illiano said.

The Perry Hall location cost about $600,000 to launch. He said he expects it to make about $100,000 in sales in the first year and eventually generate an annual profit margin of between 10 percent to 15 percent.

The 41-year-old Italian immigrated to the United States 23 years ago. He lives with his wife and two children in Fallston.

The Perry Hall community has been welcoming, he said, with many local customers recognizing him from the Harford County locations.

Illiano said he loves his work, although it sometimes consumes him.

"Sometimes you don't sleep at nighttime. You close your eyes and you see pizzas, you see customers and problems. But that's OK. It's all part of the success, I guess," he said.