The Announcer is delivered to you as a free monthly publication serving Allendale Township. It is brought to you by the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce.
WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org
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ADS SENT TO: Christie Tidd at allendaleannouncer@gmail.com
In 1976, in the heart of Standale, Michigan, a modest take-out pizza shop opened its doors—unaware it would grow into one of West Michigan’s most recognizable restaurant brands. Founded by Joe “Peppino” Adelfio and Carlo DiLeonardo, Peppino’s began with a simple idea: serve great pizza rooted in authentic Italian family traditions.
That simplicity—and the relentless work ethic behind it—became the foundation of a business that would span generations.
In the early days, it wasn’t uncommon to see family members doing everything from preparing dough to greeting customers. Carlo worked long hours, often with his young son Joe DiLeonardo by his side, folding pizza boxes and learning the business from the ground up.
Just five years later, in 1981, Peppino’s expanded to Allendale, strategically serving the growing student population at Grand Valley State University.
What started as a neighborhood pizza stop was quickly becoming something more.
A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT GREW UP TOGETHER
Peppino’s story is, at its core, a family story.
As the business evolved, so did its leadership. In the early 1990s, Joe DiLeonardo purchased the original Standale location, marking a new chapter for the next generation. He didn’t just maintain the business—he transformed it.
Peppino’s at 50: A West Michigan Original Built on Family, Flavor and Grit
FROM A SMALL TAKE OUT SHOP TO A REGIONAL STAPLE
Written by Angie Ecklund, AACC Director
By 1997, the Standale location expanded to include a dining room and lunch buffet, signaling a shift from simple take-out to a more immersive dining experience.
That move proved pivotal. It laid the groundwork for what would become Peppino’s signature “Sports Grille” concept—a place where families, friends, and sports fans could gather over great food.
And through it all, the DiLeonardo family remained deeply involved. Today, multiple siblings and family members own and operate locations, keeping the company’s founding values intact: quality, hospitality, and community. With our very own Allendale location being operated by Carlo’s daughters, Toni and Francesca.
In 2005, Peppino’s took a bold step forward.
The Allendale location was transformed into the first full-service Peppino’s Sports Grille and Bar—introducing a concept that blended casual dining with a lively, social atmosphere.
It was a natural evolution. Customers already loved the food (and especially that coveted Ranch!); now they had a destination.
From there, growth accelerated. Between 2005 and 2015, the company expanded significantly—adding multiple take-out locations, additional Sports Grilles, and even branching into catering with Maddalena’s.
The brand had officially outgrown its original footprint, becoming a cornerstone of the West Michigan dining scene.
brand’s reach far beyond pizza.
Even as it grows, the mission remains rooted in family values: quality food, genuine service, and a commitment to community.
50 YEARS LATER: A LEGACY STILL GROWING
Reaching a 50-year milestone in the restaurant industry is no small feat. In fact, most independent restaurants don’t survive beyond a few years—making Peppino’s longevity all the more impressive.
From a single take-out shop in 1976 to a multi-location hospitality group spanning Michigan and beyond, Peppino’s has built its reputation one pizza, one customer, and one relationship at a time.
But perhaps the most important ingredient hasn’t changed. It’s still about family.
BEYOND PIZZA: BUILDING A HOSPITALITY GROUP
What makes Peppino’s story especially remarkable is its ability to evolve without losing its identity.
In 2004, the formation of what would become the Peppino’s Hospitality Group marked a shift from a single-brand operation to a diversified hospitality company.
Today, that group includes not only Peppino’s Pizzerias and Sports Grilles, but also ventures like Westside Social, catering services, and event venues—expanding the
As the next generation continues to lead and expand the brand, Peppino’s remains a testament to what can happen when passion, perseverance, and community come together.
Fifty years in, the story isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting started, while holding true to it’s roots as a locally owned and family operated business.
THE RISE OF THE SPORTS GRILLE ERA
*Please check with location or event before attending as information may have changed since publication
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers and Innovators
Allendale Public Schools is excited to announce that we are partnering again with several organizations to bring a federally-funded Department of Defense STEM project to our district . Under the direction of the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, TECHnista and The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (iacmi), APS will be expanding the partnership K-12. For this school year, our middle school students have participated in a program called MEERA , Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All Next year, our K-5 students will be utilizing science kits prepared by iacmi, that introduces students to advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning and problem-solving activities that build early awareness, confidence, and interest in technical career pathways. At Allendale High School , we will be offering more advanced MEERA classes for technical skill development and career readiness, helping students learn intermediate engineering and manufacturing skills through project-based learning.
Allendale High School will be one of only 2 programs in the entire United States offering this incredible opportunity to students! Our ultimate goal is to create a space for students in grades 11 and 12 to move into more advanced career preparation through a program called America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), supporting entry into jobs, internships, certifications and continued education.
Township board mee�ng dates are May 11th and 26th (Tues.) at 6:00pm. You can find board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendalemi.gov
What You Should Know about Solicitation in Allendale
All individuals or companies conducting door -to-door solicitation in Allendale Township must obtain a solicitation license from the Allendale Township Clerk ’s O�ce before soliciting. This requirement helps protect residents and ensures solicitors are properly registered.
When a solicitor comes to your door, please verify they are wearing an o�cial township lanyard. The tag will include the company name, name and photo of the licensee, and valid year. The license color for 2026 is orange.
A list of active 2026 solicitation licenses is available at allendalemi.gov/clerk and is regularly updated.
Questions? Please contact the clerk ’s o�ce at 616-892-3111 or 616 -892-3118.
ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
The Township Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26th. Our outdoor drop box remains available 24/7.
As we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
Office Closure
