John Colorado’s journey into pizza began at just 14 years old, shortly after immigrating from Mexico. What started as a summer trip turned into a life-changing introduction to the pizza world — delivering pies on a bicycle, washing dishes, and slowly learning the language and the rhythm of the kitchen. Over the years, John worked his way through iconic pizzerias in New York City. Today, he operates Ciccio’s Pizzeria in Brooklyn with his son, Junior.
While John has built a life around pizza, the hardest part of the job isn’t the hours — it’s getting people in the door. In a neighborhood full of chain pizzerias and shops that rotate ownership, earning trust is an uphill battle. “People don’t know you, they don’t know where you come from,” he says. “But give me one shot — try the pizza once. If you don’t like it, don’t pay.” For John and his family, Ciccio’s isn’t just a business — it’s a commitment, a legacy, and a labor of love rooted in