Milano’s, previously known as Bellagio Pizzeria, is offering up the same great Mediterranean food Mesa residents know and love under the same reliable ownership that’s led the business for more than 14 years.
“We are the same restaurant with the same concept,” said owner Mike Bipar. “We are very, very affordable for the atmosphere we have and the service you get.”
The restaurant decided to change its name after a legal dispute with a Las Vegas hotel, The Bellagio, as Mike decided to continue putting his time, energy and money back into the beloved restaurant instead of toward a difficult legal battle.
“Because of the cost involved, we made the decision just to change the name and go this way and save ourselves some time and put more energy into the business,” said Mike. “I want people to know the business is the same, the food is the same, and the ownership hasn’t changed.”
It’s that commitment to great food and service that’s kept Mike’s restaurant legacy running in the Valley since the 1970s. Mike began his journey as a restauranteur in 1971, with Papa Jay’s Pizza, in Tempe, and has seen the evolution of his restaurant into Milano’s.
Despite name and location changes, consistency in delivering a great experience to customers has remained of the upmost importance to Mike. He provides consistency by sticking with great menu items and keeping employees.
“I’ve had the same crew since years ago,” he explained. “My manager and my cook have been with me for more than 25 years. We keep the same employees as much as we can.”
This reliability in staff and values has kept the quality and consistency of the food high, allowing customers to know they can always expect the same great meal whenever they visit.
“Every time I talk to customers they say, ‘Ever since you’ve been here, over ten years ago, you are always consistent,’” recalled Mike.
In addition to quality, Milano’s also provides options, with Mediterranean menu items, as well as pizza, and with choices for all kinds of dietary needs and preferences.
Another key component to Milano’s success is an excellent atmosphere. Mike continues to strive for a better atmosphere by constantly remodeling. Last year, it was an upgraded kitchen, and this year, he’s working on a remodeled bar, one of the most popular aspects of the restaurant, where patrons enjoy watching the multiple TVs.
“It’s a very simple concept that we have, and it can be considered fine dining because of the atmosphere we have. I remodel every two years,” he said.
Milano’s is located at 4545 E. McKellips Road, Suite 103. For more information, call (480) 325-1600.