Our Story

About Piada & Our
Italian Street Food Legacy

We are passionate about bringing authentic piada italian street food to the United States — crafting every bite with tradition, fresh ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality.

Piada authentic Italian street food preparation in kitchen
Our Roots

The Piada Story —
Born from Italian Tradition

Piada started with a single conviction: that piada — the thin, folded flatbread of Emilia-Romagna — deserved a place at the American table. Inspired by the street-food stalls of Rimini and Bologna, our founders brought the flavors of piada italian culture to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Every piada we craft uses time-honored dough recipes, house-made sauces, and responsibly sourced proteins and vegetables. We believe food should be fast without sacrificing quality — and Italian street food proves that beautifully. From our first location to dozens of restaurants across the United States, the mission has never changed.

2010 Year Founded
50+ Locations
1M+ Guests Served
100% Fresh Ingredients
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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Core Values

Every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to how we train our team — is rooted in these core principles that define piada italian street food culture.

Fresh Always

We prep every ingredient daily — no freezers, no shortcuts. Our produce is sourced from trusted local and regional farms wherever possible.

Made with Passion

Cooking is an act of care. Every piada is hand-rolled and assembled with the same love you'd find in a small Italian kitchen in Romagna.

Community First

We invest in the communities we serve — hiring locally, supporting schools, and partnering with neighborhood organizations across every city we operate.

Sustainable Choices

From compostable packaging to reducing food waste, we are committed to operating responsibly and minimizing our environmental footprint.

Fresh ingredients used in piada italian street food dishes
How We Live Our Values

Principles Behind
Every Piada We Make

Uncompromising Quality

Our recipes are tested hundreds of times before they reach guests. We never launch a new menu item until our culinary team is completely satisfied with flavor, texture, and presentation.

Honest Hospitality

We greet every guest like a neighbor. Our team is trained not just in speed and accuracy but in genuine warmth — because a great meal should always come with a smile.

Cultural Authenticity

Piada is rooted in a real Italian tradition. We honor that heritage through authentic recipes, seasonal ingredients, and a commitment to flavors that feel genuinely Italian.

Continuous Innovation

While we respect tradition, we also love to evolve. Our seasonal specials introduce new flavor combinations, ensuring there's always something exciting to discover at Piada.

Our Journey

A Decade of Piada Italian Street Food

From a single restaurant in Indianapolis to a growing national presence — here's how the Piada story unfolded.

  • 2010

    The First Piada Opens

    Our flagship restaurant launches at 8601 River Crossing Blvd in Indianapolis, IN. Guests discover authentic piada for the first time in the United States — and the lines form immediately.

  • 2012

    Expanding Across Indiana

    With demand surging, Piada expands to five more Indiana locations. Our piada italian street food concept earns its first regional media recognition and loyal fan base.

  • 2015

    Going Multi-State

    Piada crosses state lines, opening in Ohio and Michigan. Our catering program launches, bringing the flavors of authentic Italian street food to corporate events and celebrations.

  • 2018

    Digital Ordering & Delivery

    We launch our online ordering platform and delivery partnership, making piada accessible to guests at home. Digital orders account for 30% of revenue within the first year.

  • 2021

    Sustainability Commitment

    Piada rolls out its sustainability pledge — 100% compostable packaging, halved food waste through smart prep protocols, and a partnership with regional organic farmers.

  • 2024

    50+ Locations & Growing

    Piada reaches a milestone of 50+ restaurants across the United States. We continue to refine our menu, grow our team, and bring authentic piada italian flavors to new communities.

Meet the People

The Team Behind Piada

Our dedicated team brings decades of culinary expertise, hospitality know-how, and a shared love of authentic Italian food to everything we do.

Marco Rossi, Co-Founder and CEO of Piada

Marco Rossi

Co-Founder & CEO

Born in Bologna, Marco grew up watching his grandmother roll fresh piada dough every morning. He brought that passion to Indianapolis in 2010, turning a family tradition into a beloved American brand.

Sofia Valentini, Head Chef and Culinary Director at Piada

Sofia Valentini

Head Chef & Culinary Director

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Bologna, Sofia has spent 15 years perfecting piada recipes. She leads our culinary innovation team and ensures every menu item meets our high standards.

James Carter, Chief Operations Officer at Piada

James Carter

Chief Operations Officer

James brings 20 years of restaurant operations expertise to Piada. He oversees our 50+ locations, ensuring consistent quality and exceptional guest experiences at every restaurant across the United States.

Lena Park, Marketing Director at Piada

Lena Park

Marketing Director

Lena has championed the Piada brand since 2014, growing our digital presence and community engagement programs. Her creative campaigns have introduced piada italian street food to millions of new guests.

Want to join our growing team? We're always looking for passionate food lovers.

Get in Touch
Ready to Taste?

Experience Authentic Piada Today

Every bite tells the story of Italian street food tradition. Place your order and taste the difference quality makes.