Toronto, Ont., April 13, 2023 – Sam Primucci, the passionate Italian food appassionato who grew up on a working farm in the Basilicata region of Italy, has been shortlisted as a top 75 finalist for this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. Inspired by the success of his well-known pizza restaurant chain, Pizza Nova, the recognition coincides with the 60th anniversary of the business he helped to start in 1963, 11 years after arriving to Canada.
“It’s an honor to be recognized among such a diverse and inspiring group of people,” says Primucci. “Canada has been a land of opportunity and community for me. I am grateful, too, that so many Canadians have chosen to join me in varying ways over the years in my passion for Italian food and culture. Grazie a tutti!”
Presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine, the awards program is also celebrating a milestone – its 15th anniversary in what has become Canada’s premier national awards program celebrating the inspiring achievements of immigrants.
Sam Primicci, founder of Pizza Nova, has been selected as a top 75 finalist for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, 2023. Voting to determine the Top 25, now open at canadianimmigrant.ca/top25, closes on June 9.
Sam immigrated to Canada in 1951 with his family at the age of 12. The Primucci Family left their working farm in Palazzo San Gervasio, Italy and immigrated to Canada where they eventually settled in Toronto, boarding with fellow immigrants and working at an asphalt-mixing company. Seven months later, the family bought its first home.
Sam endured many challenges integrating into the Canadian school system. An easy target, he was frequently bullied, and his confidence was shattered. By aged 14, Sam started working, delivering pizzas for a Toronto restaurant. Gaining confidence on the job, Sam noticed the trend for deliveries, still new at that time, and the idea of a take-out pizza restaurant was born in his mind.
The first Pizza Nova location opened, May 12, 1963 – 11 years to the day after the Primucci family immigrated. The family worked to expand the business, creating hundreds of jobs, and franchise business opportunities along the way.
A distinguished panel of judges made up of past winners reviewed all nominees and presented a list of 75 finalists. All Canadians can vote for their top nominees April 11 to June 9 at canadianimmigrant.ca/top25. The 25 winners will be announced in August 2023 in Canadian Immigrant Magazine and online at canadianImmigrant.ca.
About Pizza Nova
Founded in 1963, Pizza Nova is a family-operated business that is committed to sharing the rich taste of Italy with Canadians. Pizza Nova has more than 150 stores and concession locations in Southern Ontario and inspired by family values such as trust, integrity, and authenticity. They are known for fresh toppings, high-quality ingredients and a wide range of authentic Italian menu items including lasagna, panzerotti, Italian sandwiches, chicken wings, arancini and FOCACCIA BARESE™️. They also have a line of Primucci branded products featuring Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Homestyle Tomato Sauce, Italian Hot Peppers, Spicy Green Olives, and Sundried Black Olives. Taste the Difference or Learn more at pizzanova.com.
