Photo by HEATHER AINSWORTH
Steve Burline has owned and operated O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria on Bleeker Street for the past 14 years of the shop's 89-year-old history. Although the business is in its 3rd generation of ownership, Burline would prefer that his kids go to college to earn a better living, than take over the modest family business.

Rich traditions thrive
in Mohawk Valley

By MELISSA CHADWICK
Observer-Dispatch

Starting a business

The Work Ownership Resource Center recommends people
consider these questions before starting a business:

Can you devote enough time?

Do you want contact with customers?

Do you have excellent knowledge of the product or service you’re offering?

Would you hire yourself for the job?

Do you need any special training?

Do you have the equipment you need to start?

Utica has a rich tradition of immigrant-owned businesses. Hapanowicz Meats was started by a Polish family. Caffe Caruso Bakery was started by an Italian family. The tradition of these businesses endures.

The same pizzas are flipped at O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria that were flipped by the Italian immigrant who started the business in 1914. Co-owner Steve Burline talks about what’s kept the pizzeria in business for nearly 90 years.

O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria

Where: 614 Bleecker St., Utica.

Founded: 1914 by Eugeno Burlino, who came to America from Naples, Italy. After Eugeno Burlino passed away, his son, Angelo Burline, took over the business until his death about 15 years ago.

Owners: Steve Burline and Lauren Pinker, son and daughter of Angelo. Nephew Michael Burline runs the pizza shop with them.

What’s kept them in business: The product is the same as it was 89 years ago when Eugeno started making sauce, pizza and pasta.

The most difficult thing: Recently, the image of the Bleecker Street area has been the most trying. “There’s good, solid citizens right here in Cornhill and East Utica.”

What makes the LONG hours worth it?: “I’m proud to see the same people come in who have been coming here for years.” Changes with the times: The business recently started taking Internet orders and ships frozen pizzas all over the country.

Advice: It’s all about the product. “If you have a good product, then you’ll have staying power with the customers. They’ll come back.”