Tony Aponte was raised a happy child by his parents in Northern New Jersey. However, with four brothers and sisters his parents had to work hard to make ends meet. “We were poor, so everyone needed to help keep the family together. I started to work at a young age to do my part to help take care of my family.” Tony began his pizza career at age 11. Starting out, Tony helped by washing dishes, and as time and his experience progressed, Tony began serving customers, and helping in the kitchen. By paying attention and lending a hand, Tony learned the secrets of Italian cuisine from the experienced chefs in his neighborhood. Over time, Tony began to experiment and gain the skills of a premiere Italian recipe cook. Tony continued to refine the traditional Italian recipes so that he could call them his own.

Tony opened his first pizza parlor when he was 23 in West Caldwell, NJ which was known for pick up and delivery of fresh made pizza, subs, and pasta. Twenty-five years later, Tony moved to Ohio to create his traditional Jersey-Style pizza and Italian fare at Aponte’s in Mason, Ohio. His menu includes specialty pizzas, and you will notice three named for his daughters, Paige, Corinne, and Reece, and The Sommer, named for his wife. “It is a New Jersey family restaurant tradition to name items after family members to show your love and let them know you are always thinking about them.”

Tony is proud of his made-from-scratch recipes. You will enjoy the fresh made dough, sauce, meatballs, and many of his salad dressings. Tony uses 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese because you can’t beat the flavor. It’s this pride in the quality of ingredients, the love for family, and the desire to do right by his neighborhood that keeps Tony and Sommer excited about running a family-owned business… We’re glad you’re here.