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Our History

In loving Memory of


ENRICO DE LUCA
(1922-2005)

G. (WILLIE) DE LUCA
(1949-2006)

The History of Sorrento's Pizza

In 1956, not Long after World War II, Santina and Enrico
de Luca traveled from a small village in Italy with two kids to seek opportunity in the greatest nation in the world and in the history of civilization: The United States of America!
 
 
 
 
The small village:
Pietramelara, Province of Caserta, Italy

They could not speak the language and they knew nothing of the town they were headed to: Cincinnati Ohio. They only knew they were going to meet Santina's Brother Jim Palumbo who had a restaurant in Newtown Ohio, and her sister Isabella who lived in Norwood. Uncle Jim was a good, kind man and was there for Mom and Pop. Zia Isabella was sweet too. Some of my fondest memories were getting a red pop from Uncle Jim and seeing his smiling face. He always had a smile and was happy no matter what. Mom is still the same way.

Not long afterward, Santina and Enrico ventured off on their own, and to make a "feature length" story short, they started their own business- Sorrento's. Call it Sorrento's, Sorrento's Pizza, BT Sorrento ( short for 'back to' :"torna a Sorrento" ) or the friendliest Italian establishment outside of Italy, it was theirs!

Mom made (and still makes) some of the best food you will ever eat! They endured many hardships; culture shock, 12 hour days 7 days a week, the birth of three more children, language barriers and the day to day difficulties of raising a family and being in business for yourself in a country that was trying to make sense of itself as well. I could go on for a while, but siblings would say I am taking up too much net space!

So, jump forward>> April 29th 2005, Fire struck, hardship struck, a few times. Again we work really hard, make many sacrifices and thank God every day. We are now open and we are delighted to have you all back at Sorrento's - to eat some of the best food in your life !!

Mama Santina still makes fresh pizza dough every day, as well as the sausage and bread for the sandwiches. Rumor has it that Sorrento's has the best pizza and sports bar not only in Cincinnati, but in the country. Willie created the sports bar as we know it today.

We have been mentioned in the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Washinton post, The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Cincinnati Post, Good Morning America, NBC Today, Night Line, Sporting News, newscasts on channels 5,9,12 and 19, ESPN, CNN,S.C.D., We were named "Pizza Maker of the Month" by USA Today Pizza Magazine, Voted "Best of the Pick:Pizza" by the Cincinnati Enquirer, and featured in Paul Daugherty's published autobiography.

At one time on display was Pete Rose's bat used when he broke Ty Cobb's record of 4,192 hits. Over the years we've sponsored famous men's and women's softball, hockey and baseball teams that have won over 500 trophies. Sorrento's Slow Pitch Softball team won the ASA National Title in 1976.

In June of 2007, we opened our doors again, and the de Luca Family continues to own and operate Sorrento's in Norwood, Ohio - and we're here everyday. We welcome you as you "COME BACK TO SORRENTO'S"

Thank you for your patronage and support; God Bless you

Torna a Sorrento!!