![[From L to R:] Gautam Sharma, publisher, Canadian Immigrant; Lisa Orpen, VP, National and Multi-Market Sales/Corp Sales, Metroland Media Group; Sam Primucci, founder of Pizza Nova; Serra Pinto Avimlah, manager, Go-to-Market Digital Canada, Consumer Money Transfer, Western Union; Sanjay Agnihotri, publisher, Canadian Immigrant. Photo credit: ABCI Photography](https://www.foodserviceandhospitality.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pizza-Nova-Immigrant-Award.jpg "Pizza Nova Immigrant Award 2023")
TORONTO — Sam Primucci, founder of Pizza Nova, has been named 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year by Canadian Immigrant magazine and one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants. The 15th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, presented by Western Union and hosted by the magazine took place on August 3.
This award coincides with the year-long celebration of Pizza Nova’s 60th anniversary, a business Primucci founded in 1963 and 11 years after having immigrated to Canada from Italy. The Primucci family left their working farm in Palazzo San Gervasio, Italy and immigrated to Canada where they eventually settled in Scarborough, Ont. boarding with fellow immigrants until the family bought its first home Primucci endured many challenges integrating into the Canadian school system. At the age of 14, he started working.
The first Pizza Nova location opened on May 12, 1963. The family worked to expand the business, creating hundreds of jobs and franchise business opportunities along the way. Primucci continues to lead the company alongside his son, Domenic, who serves as the president. Together, they are supported by a dedicated team of individuals who possess a deep appreciation for and knowledge of pizza and gastronomy.
“It’s a true honour to receive the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award among such an inspiring group of people,” says Primucci. “When I came to Canada 71 years ago, it was in search of a better life, and I’m eternally grateful for this country that provided us with so much opportunity.”
