Prepare to “embark on the most affordable trip your mouth will ever take to Italy.” That’s what Cugino Forno promises, an authentic Italian pizzeria planning to open its fifth location in Wilmington in about two weeks.

Launched in Greensboro in 2017, Cugino Forno was founded by three cousins: Joseph Ozbey, Adam Aksoy and Yilmaz Guver. Each of the business’ following locations – all in North Carolina – was chosen by customers. “We basically follow our customers’ advice,” co-owner Ozbey said. “Our customers will be calling us, emailing us, messaging us and saying, ‘Why don't you open one here? Why don’t you open one here?’”