MōMō Pizzeria & Ristorante recently opened its doors for business in south Lincoln at 77th and Pioneers Blvd.  Their specialty is their signature pizza which is hand-tossed, Neapolitan style and baked in a wood fired stone hearth oven.  MōMō also serves a large selection of Contorno (small plates, tapas and appetizers), pasta, salads, sandwiches and entrees which are made from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and designed to be shared with family and friends.  Anthony Bonelli is the Chief Pizza Officer (CPO) at MōMō Pizzeria & Ristorante.

Tell us a little about your business. – MōMō is a neighborhood pizzeria and bar.  We offer unique twists on classic Italian fare, as well as an awesome wine list and fantastic libations!

How did you get started in the business? – I started out in the restaurant business as a manager for McDonald’s Corporation in 1978.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Taking a large regional restaurant company out of bankruptcy without any infusion of working capital.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Helping many people recognize their dream of opening a business.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have a wonderful and very understanding wife, two great children, and two fantastic grandchildren.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Working for S.R.I./Gallup and learning about hiring talent from the Cliftons and Dr. Hall.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Cook, walk, fish, or play with my grandkids.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I was told I only had two years to live because of a cancer diagnosis.  And I beat it.

What are you the most proud of? – My children!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My mother taught me to treat the CEO and the janitor exactly the same.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Talented.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To read minds.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – My artistic talents.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A novel writer.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – My favorite book is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.  The last book I read was The English Girl by Daniel Silva.

What is your favorite movie? – It’s a tie between The Godfather and Lawrence of Arabia.

What is your favorite TV show? – Molto Mario or The Chew.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – I love the burgers and Italian sausage at Greta’s Gourmet.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Leonardo DaVinci.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can usually be found at MōMō Pizzeria & Ristorante, so stop in and visit us at 7701 Pioneers Blvd or call (402) 261-5966.  You may also email me at momoristorante@yahoo.com or we welcome you to check out our website at www.momospizzeria.com.