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The new Fiddlesticks location signage uses their signature logo and glowing color. -OLIVIA FOSS \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY CORRESPONDENT<\/p>\n
For those looking for their next cheesy slice, dining at Leoni\u2019s Pizzeria, the coziness and conversation last far after taking the last bite.\n<\/p>\n
Almost 30 years ago, Thomas Venetis opened the first Leoni\u2019s Pizzeria in San Carlos Park. Now, his son, Christos, has opened their fifth location in Fort Myers, transforming the original theme into a full-service restaurant and bar and expanding a family legacy lasting decades in Southwest Florida.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of these recipes come from my father\u2019s mother and my grandmother\u2014our family in Greece were bakers,\u201d Christos Venetis said. \u201cHe (Thomas) opened up the San Carlos location with my mother, a simple \u2018mom and pop\u2019 shop.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Leoni\u2019s began as a simple takeout and delivery store filled with passion for the community. They use Greek dough and bread recipes to nurture their signature touch to every meal. These recipes have been in the family for generations. Thomas has loved experimenting with recipes throughout the years, adding new options for guests on the menu.\n<\/p>\n
Thomas and his wife, Joanna, met at a bar he owned in SWFL at the time, hitting it off over their Greek heritage and love for cooking.\n<\/p>\n
Eventually, the couple had their first child, a girl. Thomas was eager to open a new place because the bar scene wasn\u2019t meant for children to be around. This sparked the idea to start the pizzeria. Now, with three kids, the family and business grow.\n<\/p>\n
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Squeeze your family of five into a comfortable, cushioned booth, with menus ready to be looked over. -OLIVIA FOSS \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY CORRESPONDENT<\/p>\n
\u201cOur main staple in the community has always been \u2018feed the people\u2019; we\u2019re known for big portions and affordable food,\u201d Christos said.\n<\/p>\n
This location continues that tradition. To add a new twist, Christos adds a full bar and extra signature items to the menu without increasing prices. Adding a popular burrata salad and authentic Italian desserts, plus happy hour drinks from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cMy favorite dish is the meat lover\u2019s pizza, burrata appetizer; I\u2019m also a big wings guy, I think our wings are excellent,\u201d Christos said.\n<\/p>\n
The menu maintains the fresh, hot meals that have been with all locations since the opening. Christos emphasizes that combining authenticity with affordability to gain a savory flavor is the key for this new milestone.\n<\/p>\n
The happy hour menu timeframe has been extended to accommodate working guests. To draw in guests of all ages who can come by the Fiddlesticks location later in the night, the happy hour extends to them until 1:30 a.m.\n<\/p>\n
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Christos\u2019 favorite\u2014the meat lovers pizza. Using their soft crust and is coated in bacon, ham, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and cheese. -OLIVIA FOSS \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY CORRESPONDENT<\/p>\n
Up to four guests can split a 16-inch meat lovers pizza. They also have a high-quality burrata salad and fresh lobster. All produce and ingredients are coming from all around.\n<\/p>\n
Mackenzie Ryan, a recent high school graduate, is a host at this new location. Ryan and her mother, Heather, have had a full-circle moment with this business. Her mother worked with Leoni\u2019s at the San Carlos location about 20 years ago. She brought fresh pizza home after work for her and her daughter.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI called my mom, letting her know I found a new job, and she was asking details like moms do,\u201d Ryan said. \u201cShe worked at the San Carlos location, and she told me my late grandmother used to be a bus driver and would drive young Christos to school every morning.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Christos said he was around seven or eight years old at the time, but was shocked to learn that Ryan and her mother were related when she applied to the new restaurant. Ryan asked for stories about the connection the next day when Thomas recalled all of the good memories. Heather worked at the original location when she was 18; it was her second job at the time.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cTom remembered my mom instantly and said she was a great worker, working with them for many years,\u201d Ryan said.\n<\/p>\n
Christos had also mentioned the memory of Ryan\u2019s mother and grandmother. He thinks it\u2019s incredible to have the family expand in the business and impact the next generations.\n<\/p>\n
\u201c(This job) has genuinely been so refreshing compared to others,\u201d Ryan said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t even feel like I\u2019m at work sometimes; it feels more like a family operating every day.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
The newest Fiddlesticks location was designed as a full-service restaurant. Utilizing a modern black-and-white interior, booths fitting up to six, and tables with menus prepped and laid out. The full bar is a lit-up marble that draws eyes. Photos along each wall remind guests of Greek and Italian inspirations.\n<\/p>\n
Upon entry, hosts greet you with smiles. In previous years, Christos Venetis\u2019 grandmother was a host at another location. The community called her \u2018Mama Leoni.\u2019 She is now back in Illinois, putting her hosting days to rest. Upon leaving the restaurant, guests are encouraged to take coupons for a return visit.\n<\/p>\n
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A vibrant, aesthetic sitting area, inviting more guests to enjoy happy hour and watch big games. -OLIVIA FOSS \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY CORRESPONDENT<\/p>\n
Throughout hurricanes, pandemics and broader economic changes, the business has remained open and is progressing. The company has been giving back by utilizing Pepsi partnerships and donations to children\u2019s hospitals, taking opportunities to share love whenever and wherever they can for the last 30 years.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you give back to the community, the community looks after you; I really believe that,\u201d Christos said.\n<\/p>\n
To EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments, they offer 50% off as a thank you for the work they provide. Last week, their Naples location donated 40 pizzas to families in need. Christos hopes to do another drop-off soon. He thinks this has been a beacon for staying open throughout hardships and change. Offering support to those around them.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I said, when you give back to the community, the community truly does share the love in return. It\u2019s practically our motto; it\u2019s what we stand for.\u201d Christos said.\n<\/p>\n
The family has successfully transformed a building that had been vacant for 13 years into a brand-new hot spot to eat and meet others. Christos and his team speak to every guest, fostering connections with new friends. What was once only takeout and delivery is now a place for laughter and a love for dough.\n<\/p>\n
IN THE KNOW:\n<\/p>\n
The current Leoni\u2019s Pizzeria locations are in Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers. Check out more of the menu on their website, leonispizza.com\/fiddlesticks-ft-my-menu<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Address: 13750 Fiddlesticks Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33912\n<\/p>\n