A year before Hearts & Homes moved into our current headquarters at Burtonsville Crossing, a fast, casual, Italian Squisito Pizza & Pasta franchise opened in the shopping center across the street. The restaurant franchise is owned by Gennaro DiMeo and his wife Michele. Squisito’s menu consists of authentic Italian dishes and delicious New York-style pizzas made from family recipes that DiMeo brought from his hometown in Southern Italy. The franchise in Burtonsville is owned by John Minnick, a retiree from U.S. Homeland Security, and managed by Chris Rodney.

Staff at Hearts & Homes frequently grab a bite to eat at Squisito and enjoy the great food and friendly environment. Sometimes nothing hits the spot like one of their delicious pizzas, pastas, or salads.

Hearts & Homes is grateful to Squisito for more than their great food. For over a year, Chris Rodney and his team at Squisito have been dedicated to our organization and the youth in our care. Squisito has supported Hearts & Homes in a variety of ways.

In the past, Chris has taken some of our youth under his wing and taught them how to run a restaurant and how to provide the best customer service. The opportunity to work in such a friendly environment, under a manager who is so invested in the happiness and well-being of his staff, has had an immeasurable impact on the youth. It is a great opportunity for them to develop a sense of responsibility, a sense of worth, and a sense of community. We have seen youth transform before our eyes. We are grateful to everyone at Squisito for giving our youth this opportunity to have a job, earn money, and be part of a team.

In addition to giving our youth work opportunities at the restaurant, Squisito has supported Hearts & Homes at our events and activities for staff and youth. For example, last spring Squisito treated the girls and young women in our care to a delicious dinner at the Princess Party, and in December, Squisito brought tasty dishes to our staff Holiday Party. Squisito’s also attended and supported Hearts & Homes at our Honors Gala last year.

We are grateful to Squisito for their delicious food and their continued support!