Meet Dan & Jenn Maguire | Owners/Operators of Ciao Mobile Pizzeria

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan & Jenn Maguire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan & Jenn, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For us, it has been quality and consistency. Not just in the quality and consistency of our product (though that is extremely important) but in the quality and consistency of how we show up to run our business.

Though we are in the food truck business, we are just as much in the relationship business. Relationships with our customers, vendors, venue owners and event planners is integral- especially in the mobile food industry due to the added logistics that go into moving from place to place and at different times. Being consistent in accountability and communication when (not if) things go wrong has been an equally important piece for us as well.

Being consistent with our product, our communication and flexibility when needed has been absolutely integral to our success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Both of us have been in the restaurant/food industry our entire lives, starting from childhood.

Growing up in the southeast, Jenn had southern hospitality in her blood. Working in various cafes, restaurants and bakery’s as a teen-in both the front and back of the house-she grew a particular passion for the pastry arts. After graduating from pastry school and moving to the mountains where she met Dan. Despite the challenges of being a woman in professional kitchens (and there are many) she adapted and overcame to became a Food and Wine featured executive pastry chef at a prestigious mountain resort. As the years progressed she continued to build successful pastry programs until she felt that it was time to go into business for herself along with her long term partner.

Dan started his career in the northeast coast, in the heart of Italian-America. Stretching pizza, broiling chicken parm and grilling chops was a huge part of his teenage years until he decided to go to Culinary School in Providence, RI where he found a particular interest in fine dinning. Eventually climbing the ranks to become the executive chef of a fine dinning restaurant in Vail, CO and being awarded four Forbes stars, the 14 hour days and seven day work weeks (making his bones as its affectionally referred to in the culinary industry) had finally begun to pay off. Eventually, it felt like it was time to create his own destiny and get back to his roots. Thus-Ciao was born.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you are visiting the Ft. Collins/ Northern Colorado area, there are a few things that you cannot miss.

Firstly, the craft beer scene up here is unrivaled. Along with craft mainstays such as Odell Brewing and New Belgium definitely check out these locally owned craft breweries

Get a pint of Mexican Lager at Stodgy Brewing on Laporte in Ft Collins

Grab a giant stein of Helles Lager at Zwei brewing In fort collins or try out any of their amazing traditional german ales and lager beers

Head down to City Star Brewing in Berthoud and try their rotating seltzer (made with real Fruit!!) or any of their fantastic darker brews

If you’re feeling adventurous head west to Greeley. Go to WeldWerks (whom we affectionatly refer to as “Willy Wonka’s brewery) and try a mash-up of flavors that you would never imagine to be seen in a beer.

Though we may be biased, we truly believe that the best food in the area is coming off of food trucks (who are also often found at our many breweries)

“Yes Chef” food truck is turning out amazing chef inspired twists on things like gyros, noodle bowls, cheesesteaks and even more. The owners are another husband-wife chef couple and are making seriously delicious food out of a trailer.

“Angry Hippie Tacos” makes absolutely FIRE tacos, also making all of their tortillas right on the truck. Get the “kay-so-beer-e-uh’ tacos. Consome and all is made meticulously from scratch, the entire truck is gluten free as well so if that matters to you its not to be missed

“Double Wide Burgers” is making the best burger in town (and possibly the state) hands down. Enough said.

Lastly, if you are looking to try something different”Brazi Eats” is making authentic and delicious Brazilian cuisine.

In between all the eating and drinking, head up to Horsetooth reservoir for some amazing views and water sports, hike one of our hundreds of trails, catch a show at the Mishawaka amphitheater (which is becoming preferable over red rocks to many of the locals here) or take a day trip to Estes Park and explore RMNP

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For us, the crews of line cooks, dishwashers and chefs that have worked both above and beneath us have been a massive inspiration.

Our family who not only supported us financially when we were just starting out but emotionally as well.

Our friends, who have listened to endless rants, offered invaluable outside opinions and have been shoulders to cry on.

All of these folks have been absolutely amazing and deserve so much credit for our success.

Website: https://www.ciaomobilepizza.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaomobilenoco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciaomobilenoco