One of the last messages Kimon Bisogno sent to her family on Sunday 25 September was a reminder to vote so that her pizza restaurant Ferdinando’s Pizza in Observatory can win and be named the best pizza spot in the country.
Her wish has been granted.
On Friday 11 November, the restaurant won the Porcupine Ridge pizzeria challenge which aims to identify South Africa’s favourite pizzeria as voted for by consumers.
Bisogno died in September following a shark attack in Plettenberg Bay.
Diego Milesi, Bisogno’s husband and co-owner of the restaurant, says they have been in business for about 10 years and based in Observatory for the past seven years. He says it is a family-run business that he and his wife also took pride in.
“I was very proud that our little operation in Observatory was competing with big pizza places in Johannesburg. This competition was just confirmation that our love for food and people was getting somewhere.”
READ | Tributes pour in for Observatory restauranteur killed in Plett shark attack
He explains that while he was always working in the kitchen Kimon was in charge of marketing and interacting with their clients. He says Kimon was certain that this year they would win.
Last year, Ferdinando’s Pizza landed in second place in the same competition.
“She was a trooper with bubbly, positive energy, and she was excited all the time. On the morning of the accident, she sent everyone a reminder to vote.”
Milesi thanked his staff whom he says deserves all the shine.
Milesi says their business is about more than just making and selling pizza
“Our goal is not only about making money, it is passion driven but we are passionate about the community and it’s about sharing the passion for food with our employees.”
He says they aim to make everyone who visits the restaurant feel at home.
“I call Ferdinando’s my home away from home. Sometimes people just need a friendly place where they can sit and refresh. We have always been a place that is colourful and happy, the staff welcomes you with a smile. It does make you feel like it’s home.”
He says since winning the competition people have been making their way to the restaurant to get a taste.
“We got some good exposure; the last few days have seen people coming from Pretoria, Johannesburg and around Cape Town to have some pizza.”
As the winners, the restaurant will receive wine for a year, a custom Porcupine and Ridge branded point of sale valued at R25 000 and the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge trophy and winners plaque.
Carminda Bisogno, Kimon’s mother, says she still remembers her daughter’s last text message. “Just before she went to swim, she sent us all a message on the family chat that we must remember to vote. This was one of the last things she shared with us.”
The mother says her daughter was passionate about everything she did.
“Kimon really wanted to be number one. She was pushing us to vote. I think we all had to vote 100 times. She was so excited about trying to win this competition. That is why it was so bitter-sweet when they won. It was sad because she couldn’t accept the accolade. We are very proud of her.”
Bisogno explains that the past month has been difficult, but they are grateful for the support from friends and family.
“We are a big family and we have a lot of support. The family holds us up and if it wasn’t for that, it would be very difficult.”
