Mount Kisco Business Spotlight: Thriving at the Train Station

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Mario Carillo.

Business: Mario’s Pizza and Pasta Mt. Kisco
Owners: Mario Carillo
Website: http://www.mariospizzapastamtkisco.com
Address: 1 Kirby Plaza Mount Kisco, NY 10549

How did you come up with the name?

Named after owner Mario Carillo

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

We were originally located on Main Street of Mount Kisco. When the lease for that location was up, it was time to look for a new spot for Mario’s Pizza and Pasta. We are now located at the Mount Kisco Train Station. We love Mount Kisco because it is a great place for small business to thrive.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Pizzeria/Restaurant

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Changing locations was a huge challenge for Mario’s Pizza and Pasta. The new location at the train station needed to be completely transformed.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Although it has been a difficult journey, Mario always knew that entrepreneurship was for him. He’s been working in the family business since the age of thirteen.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

It was Mario’s dream to open a pizzeria since he moved from Italy to the United States at the age of nine. After working with his brothers in the family business, he finally opened his own pizzeria at the age of nineteen. Being successful in achieving this dream is his proudest achievement.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Our fully wood-burning oven imported from Italy, used to cook all of the pizza, is what makes us unique and innovative.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

We firmly believe that the costumer is always right!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We collect donations for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and have hosted a North Shore Animal League adoption event. We also donate to many of the local school fundraisers.