Chris Bianco cut hours at his Phoenix restaurants — including Pizzeria Bianco. Here's why

Bahar Anooshahr, Arizona Republic
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

One would think that Pizzeria Bianco’s business would be booming after being featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table Pizza and Chris Bianco's historic win at the James Beard Awards this year. And it is.

But staffing shortages continue and it is taking a toll. Some longtime customers complained about being unable to get in touch with the restaurants via phone and were dismayed to find out that take-out service had been discontinued. Others stated that the staff looked tired.

In an Oct. 18 Instagram post, Chris Bianco announced that he is reducing the hours at his restaurants. "Finding staff that shows up is an issue," he wrote, echoing statements that other Valley chefs have made. "It breaks my heart to cut hours, but overworking the good people we have is not a long-term solution."

Chris Bianco: 'It breaks my heart'

In addition to rising costs, he pointed out that paying overtime is not sustainable for the business. Until he can find a long-term solution, the hours of all his Arizona restaurants will be reduced.

“We are always working to make things better for staff and patrons, and deal with the hand the world has dealt to the best of our ability,” wrote Bianco.

New neighbors: Meet the family restaurant opening in Historic Teeter House downtown

The Sonny Boy with salame and olives is one of the most popular pies at Pizzeria Bianco.
The Sonny Boy with salame and olives is one of the most popular pies at Pizzeria Bianco.

What are Pizzeria Bianco, Tratto and Pane Bianco's hours?

The new hours for Bianco restaurants are as follows:

Pizzeria Bianco at Heritage Square hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Pizzeria Bianco at Town and Country will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tratto will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Pane Bianco will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.

In better news, Bianco announced plans to add New York-style pizza to the Pane Bianco menu.

Details: pizzeriabianco.com.

This chef left Phoenix restaurants: I'll cook 'food I’d make for my family' in Gilbert

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix restaurants Pizzeria Bianco, Tratto cut hours. Here's why