A Pittsburgh Pizza Shop Since 1956
Al Vento Sr. opened a pizza shop on Highland Avenue in 1956, and East Liberty has never really let it go. This is that story.
Vento's Pizza | Our Story
Al Vento Opens His Shop
Al Vento Sr. opened at 420 North Highland Avenue in 1956 — thick-crusted Sicilian pies, rich tomato sauce, and no gimmicks. The neighborhood showed up, and never stopped.
Franco's Italian Army
In 1972, Al Vento and Tony Stagno built Franco's Italian Army around Franco Harris and their shared Italian roots. It made Vento's the birthplace of a Pittsburgh Steelers legend.
The Recipes That Stayed
For nearly seven decades, the kitchen never changed — dough pressed into trays, sauce spread by hand, toppings piled generously. Regulars knew exactly what they were getting.
Pittsburgh Mourned, Then Cheered
When Al Vento Jr. retired in 2023, the closure made headlines in the Post-Gazette, WPXI, and CBS Pittsburgh. Then Mederbek and Aigul stepped in to keep the doors open.
Same Address, Same Soul
Still at 420 North Highland Avenue, still making Sicilian tray pies and Italian Army Hoagies, still open for breakfast at 8 AM. Vento's is back — and it's staying.
