Bruno’s Pizza has reopened at a new location, but the sense of community and tradition remains the same. The grand reopening attracted many loyal customers, all eager to experience the pizza they’ve loved for years.
Founded in 1955 by Bruno Itin, who opened the restaurant just ten days after marrying his wife Evelyn, Bruno’s Pizza has become a local staple. Over the years, Bruno expanded the menu to include a mix of Swiss, Italian, German, and American dishes.
“We’ve run the restaurant for 68 years, and now my three nieces have taken over. The family tradition continues,” said Orlando Itin, the previous owner.
The new restaurant is located at 2512 Covington St., West Lafayette. The owners chose this location with the community in mind, aiming to keep the pizzeria close to its loyal customers. “The girls wanted to stay on the west side to continue the tradition,” said Itin.
The new spot is more convenient for many local customers. “It’s a lot closer to my house and easier for us to get to,” said Ken Mitchell, a Purdue alum.
Bruno’s has plans for the future, including a possible move closer to Levee Plaza by 2027. “We’ve been working with a developer for the past three years,” said Itin.
Despite the new location, the restaurant has retained much of what made the original Bruno’s special. The owners brought over the same booths, tables, ovens, and mixers to ensure the pizza dough remains the same.
Locals continue to rave about their favorite menu items, especially the dough bread and lasagna. “My kids and I love the Bruno dough. It’s top-tier,” said Alex Warpinski. Dona Thomas, a 32-year Lafayette resident, enjoys the lasagna for its sweeter sauce.
“The quality has remained the same for decades,” said Mitchell. “It doesn’t matter what they charge. I come because they’re the best.”
The restaurant also kept many of its long-time staff. “The head chef has been here for 32 years, and my brother still makes the pizza,” said Itin.
Bruno’s has been more than just a pizzeria for many in Lafayette. It’s been the site of significant life events. “We have regular customers who have been coming for years,” said Itin. “They started coming for birthdays, and now they bring their kids.”
Bonnie Lutz recalled sending her son to Bruno’s when he was just four years old. “Now he’s 33 and a police officer,” she said.
The restaurant has also played a role in important milestones for others. “We had our 50th anniversary at Bruno’s because it’s where we had our first meal together,” said Thomas. “Bruno’s is family. They make you feel at home.”
“It’s just the way they do things here. They get it right,” added Mitchell.
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