Uncle Gino’s Pizzeria Arrives in the Soo

Heads up pizza lovers in Sault Ste. Marie! The long-running Uncle Gino’s Café and Ristorante on Second Line West has recently expanded—so we've got the scoop on Uncle Gino's Pizzeria Inc. now open in the heart of downtown. 

The original location is known for its authentic Italian cuisine with recipes passed down from family in Italy. Established more than 40 years ago, it was founded by Gino and Maria Calvano. After Gino died, Maria, her daughter, and her granddaughter Katie took over—and it went that way for a while. So it was a real treat to meet up and chat with Katie about the restaurant's new location—and her part in this family-owned business that has flourished in the Sault for three generations.  

“As a family, we wanted to keep the place going," Katie says. "We are proud of what our grandparents started and we want them to be proud of us.” The family-run restaurant now includes Katie's brother. "He was living out west at the time and he decided to join the family business, learned the ropes, and mastered the skills in the kitchen to prepare and cook the genuine, delicious food Uncle Gino’s had become known for,”  said Katie. 

“My brother and I work as a team, where I cook and create certain foods and he does the same in the kitchen at Uncle Gino’s Restaurant.” “When this downtown location became available, I wanted to jump for it and create a place I could run on my own," said Katie.

“Ninety-eight percent of our dishes are made from scratch. Most pasta, all sauces, meatballs, lasagna, ravioli, and bread are made in-house. Our pizza, of course is made from scratch too.”

Katie was born into the business and has worked in the industry since she was young. “Food and the food business became my passion. I pursued more education in the culinary program at the Art Institute of Vancouver.  After graduating from there I went on and apprenticed under some of Canada’s finest, award-winning chefs. The pull of home and family brought me back to the Sault because it is where I belong. I made a lot of connections in Vancouver, but I love getting to spend time with my mom and grandmother.  I feel blessed," added Katie.

Uncle Gino’s Pizzeria downtown is open for take-out, with a few tables inside for anyone wanting to stop in for a quick bite. Outside, during the warm weather, tables will also be set up out front. “We are excited about being downtown and in this location. We have already seen many folks stopping in and happy there is finally a place in the downtown area, to get pizza again.” (The building once housed former pizzerias Mrs. B’s and most recently East St. Pizza.) 

The pizzeria also offers pre-made pasta, meatballs, gnocchi, and lasagna available for sale. Our customers can stop in and pick something up for dinner on their way home from work or have it delivered to their door.

Judging by the stellar reputation Uncle Gino’s enjoys in the Sault, I see this “little sister” pizzeria succeeding just as long. Residents and visitors alike are invited to check them out and enjoy! 

Uncle Gino’s Pizzeria Inc.

76 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON   
705 450-0701   
www.ugcpizza.com 
ugcpizza@gmail.com  
Uncle Gino’s Pizzeria Inc. Facebook

Uncle Gino’s Café and Italian Restaurant

56 Second Line West, Sault Ste. Marie, ON  
705 949-8506  
www.uncleginoscafe.com  
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