About Us

At Cinelli’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen, our story is rooted in generations of family tradition, passion, and authentic Italian flavors.

It all began in 1956 when Josephine Cinelli started working at the original Cinelli's Restaurant. She remained a cornerstone of the kitchen even after the business changed hands to Mr. Domenick’s, continuing her dedication until retiring in 2012. Her work ethic and love for Italian cooking left a lasting impression on the family and the community alike.

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In 2010, Josephine’s grandson, Tom Cinelli, and his wife Carly opened their first restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida. There, Tom studied the art of pizza-making under his mentor Luigi, a master pizzaiolo with roots in Connecticut and New York City.

In 2014, Tom and Carly returned home to Rochester, NY, to open a full-service Italian restaurant alongside Tom’s father, John Cinelli. With Josephine’s help developing the recipes and John’s leadership, the family created a warm, welcoming space filled with authentic dishes passed down from the regions of Le Marche and Calabria.

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After John’s passing in 2019, the family made the heartfelt decision to close the original Ristorante and reopen nearby as a quick-service Italian kitchen and pizzeria—continuing the legacy in a new, fast-casual format.

Today, Cinelli’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen at 741 Maiden Ln is proud to serve the same family recipes that have stood the test of time. Every slice, every dish, and every customer is part of the story. Come taste the tradition that began nearly 70 years ago—and still lives on in every bite.