Second Generation Grit: The Story of David Losole
By Eric Bam - VP Of Sales & Marketing For Perfect Crust Pizza Liner
Photo Credit: Joshua Foo - www.joshuafoo.com
Spend five minutes with David Losole, owner of Virtuoso Pizzeria By David Losole, and you realize something fast.
This is not a guy chasing trends.
This is a guy protecting tradition while building something of his own, in Omaha, Nebraska.
And that difference shows up everywhere.
Built From a 30 Year Legacy
Before Virtuoso, there was Lo Sole Mio Italian Restaurant.
A 30 year institution in South Omaha.
Opened by his parents.
Built on hospitality, discipline, and consistency.
David grew up in that kitchen.
He learned from his mother how to welcome people.
He learned from his father how to demand precision.
He learned that consistency beats hype.
He learned that you never skimp.
He is second generation. And that matters.
Virtuoso is not a copy of his parents’ restaurant.
It is the evolution of everything they taught him.
Legacy with personality.
Focused Menu. Elevated Execution.
His menu is tight. Intentional. Focused.
Seasonal clam chowder from November to Easter.
Scratch made mac and cheese with heat.
Lasagna. Baked ziti. Meatballs rotating through the deli case.
Everything made from scratch.
No 12 page menu. No chaos.
His philosophy:
"Keep it simple. Execute it well. Elevate the experience."
In a world full of overloaded menus, focus wins.
The Deli Case That Built Itself
That deli case up front did not explode overnight.
It grew organically.
Week after week of consistency.
Showing up even when sales were soft.
Making sure product was always there.
Then came the bread program.
Fresh baguettes.
Tomato basil bruschetta from his parents’ recipe.
Now people grocery shop there.
Eggs.
Martin’s potato rolls.
Specialty items.
He built a micro market inside a pizzeria.
That is smart positioning.
Catering With Intention
They do full pans and half pans.
Chicken piccata.
Sausage and peppers.
Baked ziti.
Heavy duty catering boxes.
Clean presentation.
Branded packaging.
And here is something funny but real.
He ran out of 18" Perfect Crust Pizza Liners one week and went into panic mode.
His words:
"I did not realize how important they were until I did not have them!"
The details you take for granted are often the things separating you from average.
Closed Three Days a Week. On Purpose.
Open Wednesday through Friday 11 to 8.
Saturday 11 until sell out.
Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.
That is intentional.
Sunday is family dinner at his mom’s house.
Twelve to twenty two people around the table.
He never signed a contract with the public promising seven days a week.
He still works those days.
Prep. Consulting. Planning.
But he protects time.
That is leadership.
Brenda. The Real Power Player.
His wife Brenda is his ride or die.
Accounting.
Operations.
Front of house.
Runs the oven.
Cuts and finishes pies.
David makes the food.
Brenda is the face.
"Customers come for the food. They come back for Brenda."
That partnership is real. And you can feel it when you walk in.
Favorite Superhero?
Spider Man.
Solid choice. No debate!
Merch With Meaning
Merch is not a money grab.
It is an honor.
Someone eats your food and then chooses to wear your brand?
That is next level loyalty.
He does limited runs.
Frames them.
Packages shirts in pizza boxes.
He might make a couple bucks.
But that shirt walking around town is marketing you cannot buy.
Final Thought
David feeds people.
But more than that, he feeds culture.
Second generation operator.
Thirty year family foundation.
Focused menu.
Intentional hours.
Strong marriage.
Humble mindset.
Virtuoso is not just a name.
It is how he operates.
And that is worth studying.
