To many in the region, he’s been the GOAT of pizza, and for good reason.

For over half a century, Nino Caruso’s smiling face and outgoing personality welcomed several generations of customers of Pizza Como USA in the Carbon Plaza Mall in Lehighton.

Now, after 52 years, Nino has decided to step back from the day-to-day operations and hand the reins of the business over to his son, Torey Caruso, and nephew, Sergio Caruso.

To commemorate Nino’s years of dedicated service to the business, a gathering was held at the business on New Year’s Eve day.

Torey said the event was a smashing success, as several hundred people showed up to say farewell to his dad.

“It was to thank him, show appreciation to him for his 52 years of being in business and serving the community,” Torey said. “(And for) all the donations he’s given to the community and around the area.”

Runs in the family

Nino, of Lehighton, said he was appreciative to everyone who came out to celebrate with him on New Year’s Eve.

“I was very surprised that my son, wife and daughter, did that for me; a lot of people came out to see me,” Nino said. “It felt great that I have so many friends and customers who are my friends. I’d like to thank them from the bottom of my heart that kept me in business, and hope the legacy continues that way.”

Nino said his father, the late Salvatore Caruso, started the business in 1972.

Salvatore, of Palermo, Italy, passed away on April 6. He was 87.

“My dad started it,” Nino said. “You help your family out.”

Nino said the countless memories that were made along the way will last a lifetime.

“I met a lot of good people in my life, lot of them passed on, but it made me the person that I am today,” he said. “I want to thank all the people that supported my business for all the years that I’ve been there with my family and myself.”

Nino also thanked longtime employees Sal Lentini and Primo Lopez, whom he said have been with the business for many years.

Passing the torch

As he makes the transition, Nino said he’s confident the business will be in good hands, and that Torey and Sergio will continue the legacy.

For their part, Torey said that he and Sergio will do their absolute best to carry on the tradition.

“We’re just trying to fill those big shoes,” Torey said. “It’s a change for us; he always came in the morning to prep the bread, garlic knots.”

That doesn’t mean they aren’t up to the challenge.

“Me and my cousin are ready to start our time here, the next generation,” Torey said. “It’s just going to be a void without him here in the mall. He’s just going to be missed, big-time.”

Torey wanted to send a shout-out to his stepmother, Darcy Caruso, whom he said “does so much behind the scenes.”

“This wouldn’t be possible without her, as far as handling all the stuff behind the scenes, paperwork, bookkeeping, all the little things that people don’t think about,” he said. “Without her, it would be a lot harder; she helps us out a lot.”

Torey was also quick to heap praise on their employees.

“We have a great group of guys that have been with us for a long time, and that’s not common in a business like this,” he said. “Normally, people are coming and going constantly.”

Nino said he’s forever grateful to all those who helped sustain the business over the years.

“I’d like to wish my son, my nephew and the people that work for them the best that have been there for all the years,” he said. “Because without them, I could have never done it.”

As he rides off into the sunset, Nino said he wouldn’t change a thing.

“Every day was a different adventure,” Nino said. “I don’t regret a day of it.”