End of an era: Massimo founder retires after 17 years of serving Hout Bay’s favourite pizza

After 17 years of sharing delicious food with the Hout Bay community, Massimo Orione, the founder of the beloved Massimo’s, is retiring and handing over control of the popular Italian restaurant.

Known for its authentic food and community work, the pizzeria has long been a staple in the area.

Orione said he and his wife, Tracy, would cook pizzas in their home kitchen and sell them to friends and family before they took a leap of faith to start the restaurant.

“People didn’t know us; they said it was the wrong location, that we were doing the pizza wrong, that we didn’t put enough ingredients, but we know it would work; it just took us a few years.”

His passion for business extended into giving back to the community after his experience with leukaemia.

The restaurant runs several charities and a Pay It Forward initiative, allowing customers to add a donation to their order.

“It was a completely new way see life and work, so we started one or two charities that we supported, and now we have 10.”

As the pair steps away from day-to-day operations, Orione looks forward to exploring new ventures, such as his spirits business, a range of liquors that he produces and sells online.

He expresses his gratitude to his customers and the community for their support and encourages them to support the new owners, who share his values and commitment to giving back.

“I think it was time to let it go, but to the right person. We chose the one that we hope will understand what we are about, and they will continue to do things exactly the way that we were doing it, not only the food but the charities that made us part of the community.”

To listen to Blackwell in conversation with CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, use the audio player below: