From Windy City to Wild West: Ashleigh and Tony's Pizzeria Dream

A call from an uncle in Las Vegas can change everything. For Ashleigh Hughes and Tony Cimino, that unexpected phone call was the spark that ignited a cross-country move and the launch of their shared dream: Tony’s Pizzeria. Leaving behind established roles in an Illinois family restaurant, they embraced the unknown, arriving in the desert with a vision and a whole lot of ambition.

A Partnership Forged in Pizza

Tony Cimino’s journey into the pizza world began almost as soon as he could walk, a generational legacy embedded in his family. Ashleigh Hughes entered the picture when they met while working at Tony’s uncle's restaurant in Illinois. Tony commanded the back of house, steeped in the craft of pizza-making, while Ashleigh excelled at front-of-house operations and catering. This division of labor, honed over three years, proved to be more than just a job arrangement.

“Somewhere along the way, we realized that our strengths complemented each other really well,” Ashleigh reflects. Tony possessed the culinary expertise and passion, while Ashleigh brought a knack for customer experience, marketing, and the business side of things. It was this realization, that their individual talents interlocked so perfectly, that laid the groundwork for their entrepreneurial leap. They began to envision a future where they built something entirely their own, a place that could honor tradition while carving out a new path.

The Unscripted First 90 Days

Transitioning from employees to owners presented its own set of challenges, especially in those critical first 90 days. The move to Las Vegas was a whirlwind, and the expectation of a smooth opening quickly evaporated. Equipment failures, unexpected repairs, and the sheer volume of tasks involved in launching a small business meant they were constantly problem-solving. Beyond the operational hurdles, they were also navigating a new dynamic in their personal and professional lives.

“What mattered most in those first 90 days was learning to adapt together,” Ashleigh explains. They had to learn how to divide responsibilities, communicate through stress, and protect their relationship from the overwhelming demands of a new business. It was a period of intense learning, forging them into a stronger team, not just in business but in life. These early trials, though difficult, taught them the invaluable lesson of resilience and the importance of supporting each other through every setback.

Visibility Doesn't Equal Sales

One of their biggest revelations came from understanding the unique landscape of Las Vegas commerce. Situated at Pawn Plaza, adjacent to the famous Pawn Stars shop on Las Vegas Boulevard, they initially anticipated a steady stream of customers. They quickly learned that high visibility doesn't automatically translate into foot traffic and sales. “We overestimated how much foot traffic would automatically translate into customers,” Tony admits. The reality was that building a customer base in such a bustling, competitive environment required constant effort in marketing, engagement, and consistent quality.

Conversely, they underestimated the sheer breadth of responsibilities that come with small business ownership. Beyond crafting delicious pizza, they found themselves wearing many hats: social media manager, marketer, accountant, designer, and more. Every aspect, from online presence to day-to-day operations, became their domain. This intensely personal investment means that “every great review means the world, and every slow day or setback hits really hard.” It's a continuous learning curve, demanding adaptability and a willingness to master new skills daily.

Building a Sustainable Future

Today, Ashleigh and Tony's vision for success is rooted in consistency and sustainability. As a relatively new establishment, their primary focus is on cultivating a loyal customer base and ensuring steady, predictable sales. They aim for Tony’s Pizzeria to become a recognized name within the Las Vegas culinary scene, a place locals genuinely love and frequent.

Their aspirations extend beyond the immediate future. The couple is building towards a foundation that will not only sustain their business but also support their personal dreams. “For us, it wasn’t just to sell pizza. It was to build something of our own doing something we love, continue a family tradition, and hopefully create a future that can support a family of our own someday,” Ashleigh shares. They are inspired by other local businesses that have grown from humble beginnings to become integral parts of the community. With a strong partnership and unwavering dedication, Ashleigh and Tony are steadily building Tony's Pizzeria into a lasting legacy, one delicious slice at a time.