Today we’d like to introduce you to Akshat Shah.
Hi Akshat, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began with a deep respect for heritage. I took on the challenge of managing Angelo’s Pizza, Pasta & Deli by honoring the original family recipes passed down to me by the restaurant’s founder. While our foundation is built on those time-tested flavors, I saw a unique opportunity to evolve the business through modern operations and digital storytelling.
Over the years, I’ve balanced the ‘art’ of the perfect pasta with the ‘precision’ of business management—navigating everything from complex legal administrative work to building a vibrant online community. Today, Angelo’s is more than just a deli; it’s a reflection of local loyalty and a commitment to our neighbors.
Our secret has always been an uncompromising dedication to quality. We proudly source from small, family-run Baltimore vendors like Pastore’s and Sun of Italy, and partner with trusted names like Saval, Cento, and Boar’s Head. We even go as far as Wisconsin to source the finest cheese from Grande, because we believe our customers deserve the best ingredients money can buy. As we look toward the future, we are excited to expand into two new locations with the ultimate goal of sharing the Angelo’s experience through franchising.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has certainly not been a smooth road; like any restaurant, we have faced a series of hurdles that tested our resolve. The most significant was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought unprecedented challenges to the entire industry—from sudden dining room closures and the rapid shift to carry-out only, to the constant concern for the safety of our staff and guests.
Beyond the pandemic, we’ve navigated the ongoing volatility of the labor market and the rising costs of premium ingredients. Maintaining our high standards during a period of record-breaking inflation has required careful management and constant adaptation.
However, we believe these challenges have only made us stronger. They forced us to stay rooted in our core values: honoring the Italian recipes passed down from our founder and refusing to compromise on the quality of our food. Our success through these times is a direct result of our loyal customers. Their unwavering support has been the engine that keeps us going, and it’s that connection to the community that makes the hard work worthwhile. We remain more committed than ever to serving the Olney and Rockville areas with the same authenticity that started it all.
We’ve been impressed with Angelos Pizza Pasta & Deli, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What we do & what we specialize in:
At Angelo’s Pizza, Pasta & Deli, we specialize in authentic Italian comfort food. We are known for our hand-stretched pizzas, robust pasta dishes, and overstuffed deli sandwiches. Every plate is a tribute to the original family recipes passed down from our founder—dishes that have been a staple of the Maryland community for years.
What sets us apart:
What truly differentiates us is our refusal to take shortcuts. In an era of mass-produced fast food, we remain a “quality-first” operation. We believe that a meal is only as good as its foundation, which is why we source our ingredients with extreme care. We are proud to support local, family-run Baltimore vendors like Pastore’s and Sun of Italy, and we partner with premier wholesalers like Saval and Cento. For our meats, we trust only Boar’s Head, and our pizzas are topped with Grande Cheese from Wisconsin—widely considered the gold standard in the industry.
What we are most proud of: brand-wise:
We are most proud of the trust we’ve built within the Olney and Rockville communities. Our brand isn’t just about a logo; it’s about consistency. Whether you visited us ten years ago or you’re walking in today, you know you are getting the same high-quality meal made with the same passion. We are also incredibly proud of our upcoming expansion, as we prepare to bring the Angelo’s experience to two new locations.
What we want readers to know:
When you eat at Angelo’s, you aren’t just a customer; you’re part of a tradition. We invite you to experience the difference that local sourcing and premium ingredients make. From our family-run vendors to your family’s table, we are committed to providing an authentic Italian experience that stays rooted in quality, no matter how much we grow.
What matters most to you? Why?
Integrity and Community
What matters most to me is the integrity of the product and the strength of the community we serve.
In the restaurant industry, it is easy to cut corners to save on costs, but I believe that our customers in Olney and Rockville can taste the difference when you choose the hard way over the easy way. To me, integrity means staying true to the original recipes passed down by our founder and never compromising on the quality of our ingredients—from the local Baltimore vendors we support to the premium Wisconsin cheese we source.
Beyond the food, community matters deeply. We don’t just operate in a neighborhood; we are part of its fabric. Seeing familiar faces return week after week and knowing we are providing a place for families to gather is what drives me. As we look toward expanding and potentially franchising, my priority is ensuring that this core value of ‘quality without compromise’ remains the heartbeat of every new location we open. At the end of the day, knowing we’ve done right by our recipes and our neighbors is what truly defines success for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angelospizzeria.CO
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelos.pizzapastadeli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelospastaanddeli
