At the recent Council Meeting Nov 18, Council Member Dr.G (Dr. Luis S. González) presented Mr. Sherwin Mariano and his wife Denise, owners of Pizzadilly Restaurant with a “Business Focus” Recognition Award for their successful business operation in the City of Colton. Located in the downtown area at the corner of Ninth Street and Valley, this long-established family business has a proud legacy with a “hometown” tradition that has served the people of Colton for decades. Many people have been to Pizzadilly, and this famous pizza shop has hosted hundreds of birthdays, celebrations, team parties, and special community group gatherings, including DrGs famous pizza parties.
Most recently this business has received a new boost of energy, and the results have been terrific. In January 2024 Sherwin and Denise purchased the business and quickly gave the place a facelift. If anyone has driven by, they have probably have noticed the new painting, decorations, branding and lighting. For those who eaten there, they’ve undoubtedly have also noticed the “youthful vib” with just a bit of nostalgia, not only to attract a new generation of customers, but also to satisfy the long-standing customer base.
To refresh our memory, Raymond Dorado, the previous owner, started working at Pizzadilly in 1982, as a pizza maker and a counter-sales person. The owner at that time was Mr. Ken Stam. In a short period of time, Mr. Raymond became the Manager and in 1989, bought the business along with his partner, Anthony Lewis. According to Dorado, the name of the business was always “Pizzadilly” and reflected not only the most important menu item, but the fact that the pizza can come made to order, or with “the works.” This business model worked well when he started, has worked well for 34 years under Raymond Dorado, and continues to work well into the next generation under the management of Sherwin and Denise Mariano. For those who didn’t know, Denise is Raymond’s niece, so the successful family business model and top-quality pizza offerings are safe and secure. To be sure, the Pizzadilly brand is very well-known locally and in very good hands.
Sherwin and Denise Mariano and their hard-working crew of family members are to be congratulated for their success as a local pizza-place business. This year, they celebrated two years of ownership, but continue to carry on the proud Pizzadilly legacy into the future for all of us to enjoy. We truly hope that they will continue their successful business for years to come. The Colton City Council also supports small businesses and with this presentation wanted to recognize the owners of Pizzadilly for their hard work, great customer service, and excellent reputation; and for making a valuable contribution to our community and to our local economy.