Pizzeria tops 20 years in the business

Oscars Pizza Company, on the High Street in Kings Langley, was opened by Tony Russo in 1996, just months after he became a father to a bouncing baby boy called Oscar – who is now assistant manager.

Mr Russo, who is originally from Sicily and now lives in Flaunden, has grown the business into popular pizzeria which now employs 20 people.

The restaurant recently underwent a complete makeover to update its look, and now general manager Monika Kulicka is welcoming new customers and old regulars alike.

The 28-year-old, who has been working at Oscars for eight years, said: “The whole of Kings Langley is like a family to us. We know most customers by name and they know us too.

“Now we have re-decorated an updated, it’s a much more intimate dining experience for our customers – it was quite pink before and we had a lot of comments!”

Mr Russo also has a 17-year-old daughter called Saffron, who has recently started waitressing at Oscars.

Monika says that Mr Russo – who is also an abstract artist – often returns to his Meditteranean homeland and brings back ideas for new recipes and specials, including meat, fish and pasta dishes.

The people of Kings Langley must like it hot, as Monika says the most popular dish on the menu is a pepperoni and chill pizza.

The father-of-two likes to mix his two passions of food and art, as customers can enjoy his paintings as they dine at Oscars.

So after two decades in the business, is it more of the same for the Russo family?

Monika said: “Yes, as long as our customers keep coming, we will be here!”