In this episode of The Hey BigHead Show, we sit down with Frank Vento, owner of Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen, one of Las Vegas’ most beloved and talked-about pizzerias. From a small pizza joint in the ‘70s to a local pizza empire, Carmine’s has built a reputation for authentic, high-quality pizza and a family atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
Frank takes us behind the scenes of his family’s deep-rooted history in Vegas, starting with his father Carmine’s journey from Sicily to Vegas, where he saw an opportunity to bring true East Coast-style pizza to a city that had never experienced it. We talk about what makes a great pizza, the importance of tradition, and why consistency is key in the restaurant industry.
But it’s not just about food—Frank gets real about the challenges of running a small business, the struggles of entrepreneurship, and the sacrifices that come with it. He opens up about his personal battles with addiction, losing everything, and how he fought his way back to rebuild his life, his business, and his relationships. His story is one of resilience, second chances, and a deep appreciation for the power of community and family.
We also get into:
– How Carmine’s crushed the competition in Vegas Local’s Pizza Tournament
– The secret to making the perfect pizza (and why New York water is overrated)
– The impact of social media, influencers, and marketing in today’s restaurant game
– The Vegas pizza scene, the camaraderie between local pizza shops, and why it’s NOT a cutthroat industry
– The importance of customer service, employee loyalty, and treating your team like family
If you love pizza, small business success stories, and real, no-BS conversations, you don’t want to miss this one. Go check out Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen all over Vegas, and hit play now!
