Popular Midwest Pizza Chain Expands to South Florida

Sarpino’s Pizzeria Plans 6 Locations in Greater Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Area

(Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)—When Slava Kopilevich came to the United States from South Ukraine, he had a wife, a one-year-old son, and $200 in his pocket. After working his way up to a managerial position at a wholesale food business, Kopilevich decided the time was right to set out on his own. He opened a Sarpino’s Pizzeria in Chicago, where Sarpino’s is well known, but found the market to be over-saturated. Still, he believed in the brand and in the product they serve, and was willing to do whatever it took to be a part of the company. He opened his flagship location at 100 East Broward Blvd in mid July with plans to open 5 more locations over the next 3 years in South Florida.

“Every single day there is an obstacle,” Kopilevich said. “There is a lot of expectation, and everyone is excited. For a single business owner it can be very difficult, but with corporate backing me up I’ve been able to get through everything from monetary obstacles to licensing issues.”

Having a family that supports him has also made a difference for Kopilevich during this transition. Recently he moved his family from Chicago to Boca Raton with his wife and 16 year-old son. Before moving to Boca Raton with his family he sold his Sarpino’s location in Chicago and his wife sold the hair salon she owned and operated.

“I’ve created this life for my family by working hard for others,” Kopilevich said. “Now I want to work hard for myself.”

Well known in Chicago for its 83 different gourmet pizzas, calzones and other delicious menu items. The delivery pizza chain treats the delivery part of the business as its main business.