Our Story
In Forno Pizza began with a simple idea and a wood-fired oven on wheels. Founders George and Elizabeth first introduced their Neapolitan-style pizzas through a traveling pizza trailer, serving guests at farmers markets, festivals, and private events. What started as a mobile passion quickly grew into a beloved local favorite, leading to the opening of their brick-and-mortar location in Avon, Ohio in 2015.
In July 2025, In Forno entered a new chapter under the ownership of Nicki and Chris, who immediately fell in love with what made the restaurant so special—clean, high-quality ingredients, a thoughtfully simple menu, and a loyal community of wonderful guests. Today, that same spirit remains at the heart of everything we do.
At In Forno, we serve authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted in accordance with traditional pizza-making standards. Many of our guests say it’s the best Neapolitan pizza they’ve had outside of Italy—and we take that as the highest compliment. From our signature In Forno Pizza, topped with mozzarella, sausage, bacon, jalapeños, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, to the uniquely flavorful Celeste with truffle and artichoke pesto, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh arugula, every dish is made with care and intention. Our Burrata Plate is a guest favorite, featuring a creamy hand-tied burrata served with fresh accompaniments and warm garlic bread.
But In Forno is about more than just great food—it’s about connection. We’ve intentionally created a space where conversation comes first. You won’t find televisions here, and the music stays low so guests can truly enjoy time together. Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends, family, or someone new, we want every visit to feel warm, relaxed, and memorable.
Chris, a lifelong resident of the greater Cleveland area, is a true foodie and talented home chef who brings his passion for flavor into everything we serve. When he’s not working full-time as a UPS driver, you’ll find him at In Forno on Saturdays or playing guitar with friends. Nicki, originally from Iowa, brings a wide range of experience—from music and teaching to finance and business—to the restaurant. With a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s in business psychology, she’s always ready to turn bold ideas into reality. As her daughter once said, “My mom always gets these crazy ideas—and they usually work out.” In this case, that idea was In Forno.
In true family fashion, you’ll often see Nicki’s daughters behind the scenes as well. Riana, who works for American Airlines, helps out when she’s not in the air, while Cecelia, a cello performance student at the Cleveland Institute of Music, joins the team between performances.
We’re proud of the little things that make In Forno special—the laughter behind the counter, the energy at the bar where guests can watch pizzas come to life, and the connections we build with our community every day. Our vibe is a little eclectic, always welcoming, and centered around what matters most: quality food, friendly service, and a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere.
Come join us, grab a seat, and stay awhile.
