Papa Ceo Fine Italian Foods

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Title: Papa Ceo Fine Italian Foods
Description: Founded in 1984 by Sicilian immigrants, Tony and Cathy Bonventre, Papa Ceo was originally started out of necessity, in order to survive after they arrived in Canada in their 20s. What was started as a necessity quickly grew into a passion, and Tony, who previously worked in construction learned how to make pizza from a relative working at Gino’s Pizza. Located downtown near UofT, Papa Ceo’s attracts a large clientele of students. Its name is an homage to Cathy’s relative in Italy, and their mission was to create a family run business (their daughter Piera is now active in restaurant operations) and serve delicious pizza in their community. Tony went on to found other pizzerias in the GTA, such as Gigi’s, and kept the majority within the family. Although, it’s unclear how much Sicilian inspiration went into the menu’s pizza varieties, many of the items are Tony’s early original recipes, and have proven to be the most consistent and best-selling items on the menu, such as the Margherita Pizza.
Date: EST. 1984

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Review, 2006

Image of 2006 National Post review about establishment.

2007 review

A 2007 BlogTO article about Papa Ceo.

2009 article

Papa Ceo is mentioned in a National Post article from 9 April 2009 about Toronto's best pizza slices.

2021 menu

Screenshot of the current menu on Papa Ceo's website.

Tai, head Pizzaiolo

Tai is the head Pizzaiolo of Papa Ceo. A Vietnamese refugee who left in the late 70s, he has been working in the pizza industry since the 80s, working his way up from being a pizza driver to learning the craft of pizza making from the early pizza masters of Toronto.

Master Tony and Master Tai

Tony (left), owner and founder of Papa Ceo, and Tai (right), the man who took it over after Tony's retirement.

Exterior of Papa Ceo

A photo of the exterior of Papa Ceo.