Mineo’s Pizza House Lands at Pittsburgh Airport

PHOTOS COURTESY VISITPITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh International Airport’s new $1.7 billion terminal has been celebrated for its pedestrian bridge and tunnel (patterned after the Fort Pitt Tunnel and Bridge), larger, more comfortable meet-and-greet area at the baggage claim and steel columns shaped like trees that stretch all the way up to the paneled ceilings. 

Just as notably, it’s now home to more than a dozen locally owned businesses, including, most recently, Mineo’s Pizza House. 

Opened in 1954 by Giovanni Mineo, the Pittsburgh staple has since reached near-legendary status with locals, thanks in no small part to the ingredients. Each pizza is crafted with homemade dough, rolled by hand and then baked on stone. 

Hearty wedding soup is made from scratch while Mineo’s signature sauce uses hand-season Italian tomatoes; the imported cheese blends are also hand-grated daily. Since opening more than 70 years ago in Squirrel Hill, the family-owned business has expanded to several other locations. Opened near the end of January, the PIT restaurant will be the fourth Mineo’s in the region.

“We are excited to finally open at Pittsburgh International Airport,” says Gio Mineo III, son of owner Giovanni Mineo Jr,. in a statement. “For many Pittsburgh residents, Mineo’s is more than pizza — it’s a tradition. Having our products featured at the airport not only offers comfort food for travelers but also highlights the city’s culinary identity to visitors from around the world. We know Grandpa is looking down on us excited to see how far his small pizza shop on Murray Avenue has taken off.”

The airport menu offers classic Mineo’s items such as hand-tossed pizza, salads and hoagies. Located in the main food court beside Marathon Diner, the airport restaurant’s design reflects its sister locations, including the green-and-red color scheme. A new bar seating area is also integrated and provides a different option for guests and patrons among the other options in the food court. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mineo’s Pizza House to our concessions lineup,” says Bryan Dietz, senior vice president, air service and commercial development at PIT. “Sense of place is important at the airport and for decades, Mineo’s has been part of the Pittsburgh community and a local favorite. Bringing this iconic brand to the airport gives travelers another authentic way to experience our city.”

Mineo’s isn’t the only local joint representing Pittsburgh at the airport. More than 80 percent of the new art installations were created by area artists and artisans.

Among the local retailers are love, Pittsburgh as well as restaurants such as Primanti Bros, Penn Brewery, Convive Coffee, Marathon Diner, Local Craft Kitchen & Bar, Beercode Kitchen & Bar and Café Conmigo. Many of the new local — and national — stores and restaurants added to the airport were requested by local travelers and visitors.

“We’ve listened to what our travelers wanted — a balance between showcasing not only our local brands, but also having the availability of unique and respected national and international brands,” Travis McNichols, chief operations officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority, previously told Pittsburgh Magazine.

“We know many different types of travelers go through our airport every day, and we want to ensure that our offerings meet the needs of everyone that we serve.”