A new and unique way to enjoy pizza recently arrived in Abbotsford and it’s not available on Skip the Dishes or DoorDash – the only way to experience Ranallo’s Pizza is through the back of a Piaggo Ape.
The mobile catering unit and food truck officially began its journey this summer and has been working both private and public events since.
Ranallo’s Pizza is B.C.’s first and only Piaggo Ape pizzeria and the idea was inspired by Ezio Ranallo fond memories of his family’s former pizza shop. For those unaware, the Piaggo Ape is a three-wheeled light commercial vehicle manufactured in Italy. They are still in production today and are much more common in Europe.
Ranallo, the brother of combat sports announcing legend Mauro Ranallo, said he had to source the vehicle from Alberta and it is all a part of the identity he wants with the new company.
“They’re not common at all here and that’s what makes it such a unique eye-catcher,” he said of the Piaggo Ape. “It’s all a part of the presentation and just being able to bring it into people’s backyards and into certain areas made it perfect. You can set it up anywhere.”
Ranallo said the vehicles can be found in Ontario and Alberta, but that he believes he owns the lone one on B.C. and it is the only one serving pizza. He said his set-up makes it easier to show off the love he has of creating food. His vehicle also features a Fontana Forni outdoor oven.
“We’re able to make authentic pizzas right there on-site,” he said. “We prepare the food right in front of our clients and we even allow them to participate. We’ve even had kids help make their own pizza, it’s a cool vibe and we’re passionate about what we do.”
He explained that his company uses a unique stone to cook and sources a number of ingredients from Italy to give the pizza more of an authentic Italian taste. Ranallo said that the Margherita and hot honey pepperoni have both been big hits with clients.
The idea for the mobile pizza unit began cooking in Ranallo’s mind after taking a Neapolitan pizza making course in Vancouver from two-time Canadian pizza champion Giuseppe Cortinovis. He bonded with the award-winner right away and after the course inspired him, he invited Cortinovis to join him. The pair have become a local pizza tag team since. Ranallo explained that the pizza was a way to honour his family’s past and also a stress relief from his job in law enforcement which he has been involved in for the last 25 years.
“I love serving the public and this almost feels like therapy for me,” he said, of the pizza venture.
Ranallo hinted that he’d like Cortinovis to try to offer some of his pizza making course to those in the Fraser Valley and it could be something available in the future. Ranallo’s Pizza made a public appearance at the APD Car Meet at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre on July 27, the Langley Cruise-In on Sept. 6 and at the grand opening of Scout Campers in Abbotsford. They have also done private events such as weddings and bridal showers.
Ranallo’s Pizza will be at the Taste of Abby event on Sept. 19 and also plan to be at the Fort Langley Cranberry Festival on Oct. 11.
“The whole idea is to bring Italian tradition to you and bring something different to the community,” he added. “It’s a food truck like no other, the first and only one. We’re in this for the long haul and want to serve the public.”
For more information on the business, visit ranallospizza.ca.
Dining and Cooking