Zolas Restaurant earns Saputo Foodservice’s Pizza with Purpose award

Zolas Restaurant in Ottawa is the latest recipient of the Pizza with Purpose award sponsored by Saputo Foodservice. Zolas, which is approaching its 30th year in business, clearly has a strong and valued relationship with community and surrounding businesses.

Zolas’ team of 20 promotes a practice of “ ‘win win’ and partnership with our community’s objectives and goals,” said general manager Gina Vacchio in Zolas’ contest entry.

Among a host of outreach initiatives, the restaurant provides many students an opportunity for co-op job placements and work experience, supports the Snowy Owl foundation and its annual Taste for Life event by donating 25 per cent of sales (and has done so for the last 25 years!), provides the Alzheimer’s Society with sponsorship during their largest yearly fundraising event, raises money for the Sunshine Foundation, and hosts donation drives for Ottawa’s homeless and shelters.

We at Canadian Pizza congratulate owner and chef Tony Vacchio, his sister, general manager Gina Vacchio, and the good-hearted, hard-working Zolas team, on serving as a great example of creative community spirit.

The honour carries with it some serious prize money of $2,500 bestowed by sponsor Saputo Foodservice to help carry on the good works. Look for the Zolas team on an upcoming cover of the magazine, along with the scoop on how they shine in the nation’s capital.