George Portesi started baking pizzas in a tavern outside of Chicago in 1939. In 1944, he followed a close friend to Almond and served pizza at a vacation resort. Ten years later, the family moved their pizza operation to Paul's Bar in Stevens Point.
Portesi Italian Foods, at 3201 Business Park Drive, is similar to many American companies founded by immigrants. Today, Portesi President Rusty Mitch continues the tradition of making pizza and other Italian foods. For Mitch, growing the company quickly is not as important as offering quality products.
