Compliments to the Chef - Monte Cello's
IN The The Ross Record

Twenty-six years and 143 million slices later...

When it comes to down-to-earth customer relations, you can1t top Joe Wadlow. Co-owner of Monte Cellos the Ross restaurant staple is clearly a reflection of the man.

A true Marine at heart, Joe was always a self-made man. Following the Vietnam War, he went into commissioned real estate sales - until interest rates topped out at 16% in 1980. Joe recalls, "At that time, no one was buying and I needed to make a change. In 1980, my partners, Domenic Ricci, Ron Daniels and I leased a winery and entered the food business."

Wadlow and Daniels expanded their operation in July of 1981, moving to the corner of McKnight and Siebert - their home for the next 18 years.

Joe said, "The restaurant business has a very high rate of failure - something like 97% in the first year. Knowing this, we focused on three things to be successful: reasonable pricing, quality driven food, and exceptional family-oriented service. We still continue to challenge ourselves every day." He added, "For example, we purchased 220,000 pounds of cheese last year. We could easily save a dollar or more per pound by switching manufacturers, but we won't. If you are in it solely for the money, you'll never last in this business. The quality and respect for the customer must be there." He added, "I just love meeting and talking with people; but, with 5,000 customers per week, sometimes I feel that I need to upgrade my memory processor."

Joe and Dom have since partnered with Joe's son Greg and Don Baumgartner.

There are now eight Monte Cellos restaurants from the city to Zelienople. Originally founded as a pizza restaurant, today more than half of the food ordered fulfills the restaurants slogan of "More than just pizza."

But speaking of pizza, you can't do much better than at Monte Cellos. Last year, 325,000 lbs. of flour went in to create 537,000 lbs. of dough. Made fresh every day in a temperate-controlled environment, the dough is then proofed and delivered in refrigerated trucks for immediate consumption. No prepackaged dough and cheese here. "Aside from pizza, our #1 order is the handmade lasagna, closely followed by our pasta dinners," Joe said. He added, "We also make our own wedding soup - something we get exceptional reviews on."

Looking to diversify the menu, Monte Cellos contracted with Lincoln Bakery two years ago to bring an excellent assortment of offerings including: cheese cake, almond torte, carrot cake, peanut butter pie, chocolate decadence, and the most popular of all -Ho Ho cake.

Having operated here since 1980, Monte Cellos has always had a great history with Ross Township. Joe himself lived in the community from 1984 to 2004. He said, "The Commissioners and local government have been great. They patronize our restaurant - we support local functions - it works well for everyone."

In 2000, Monte Cellos moved to their new location. That same year, they were awarded by the Township the Excellency in Commercial Landscape Design for their storefront renovations.

But, perhaps nothing is more satisfying than achieving recognition from your peers. In 2007 Joe Wadlow will be sworn in as the Vice President of the Western Pennsylvania Restaurant Association - a position he is very proud of.

Though certainly not a small mom and pops diner, Monte Cellos is truly a service-oriented, quality-driven diamond in the rough.