{IntoxiKate Series} We’ve all been guilty of it. Sure, the restaurant has great food, but sometimes we go for things that aren’t on the menu. Maybe it’s the ambiance, maybe it’s the VIP treatment, or maybe it’s the bartender’s eyes…. Wait, what? Men(u) Crave uncovers the cutest men in the restaurant industry, moves past those good looks, and discovers why they’re drawn to food (and why women and drawn to them)!
Antonio Guzzo
Fleetwood Pizzeria, Sleepy Hollow
Everyone in Sleepy Hollow knows the Guzzo family. The Italian family, who have owned Fleetwood Pizzeria for several decades, are to the village like the Royal Family is to England, even with a couple of “princes” to drool over. They’re a good-looking family as a whole, but they are also good people who not only contribute to the community, but give it a neighborhood feel.
You know when Antonio Guzzo, the youngest of the bunch, is behind the counter—teenage girls walk back and front of the storefront giggling, all the while trying to get his attention. There’s no doubt why—with a chiseled, athlete’s body, blue eyes you can get lost in and a winning smile, Guzzo has a heart of gold that keeps customers coming back for more.
Why do you love working in the food industry?
Fleetwood Pizzeria is a family business, which has now eclipsed 50 years. There’s pride with keeping the shop up and running, and interacting with our return customers. I love when customers walk in with their children and they say to their kids “I grew up in this place.” I love it when they ask how my parents are doing. (My father is well!) My mother still comes in to work everyday, so I tell them to look for her on their next trip in.
What is the best part of your day?
The best part of my day happens when a customer walks in and we have a nice conversation. When they leave I always say to myself, “It was nice talking to them.” Hoping they leave feeling the same way. Fleetwood Pizzeria has always had a neighborhood feel, and I like to continue that feeling.
What’s your best customer service tip?
Don’t take any frustration, whatever it may stem from, out on the customers. (I have to remind myself this little tip from time to time.)
That’s your favorite thing on the menu?
It’s all so great. But I’m a traditional guy, so it’s a toss up between the Fleetwood Original Calzone and just a regular slice of pizza (which Guzzo is whipping up in this collage of photos).
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
After graduating college I continued to play football—American football (the game with the helmet, shoulder pads and tackling)—overseas in Europe. Anyways, after five years of that I am calling it quits. Now, along with working at the family pizzeria, I’m trying to get a little acting and commercial modeling career started.
Name one place in Westchester where you go to unwind.
The Rockefeller trails here in town. Whether it’s for a walk with the dog or to go for a run, it’s the perfect place to catch some great scenery, the occasional deer prancing around and friendly hellos shared with others.
{Have a man (or woman) you’d like to nominate for the series? Email me to let me know who they are, where they work and why you love them!}
