Type of business: Pizzeria

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: 2830 Geer Road

Contact information: 209-656-7272 or 209-669-5959

Specialty: Mixed nationality menu

History of Business:

Mohammad Waziri and Mohammad Aslami’s restaurant, Milano Pizza, offers a wide variety of pizzas – 16 kinds, to be exact. From the typical toppings that come on a combination pizza to the exotic flavors on their “Afghan Style” option, both Waziri and Aslami wanted to open their restaurant in a community that could appreciate their food that has taken cues from various cultures.

“In Turlock, there are mixed nationalities,” said Waziri. “There are people from Iran and Syria, and there are people who are Arab, Afghan, Spanish or White.”

The diverse ethnicities in Turlock made the community a perfect landing spot for Waziri and Aslami, who were looking to open a new Milano Pizza after their previous location in Modesto was sold. Along with their pizza, the restaurant also offers gourmet subs, Mediterranean cuisine, seven different salad options, calzones, lasagna, seafood, and dessert, including homemade baklava and rice pudding.

Milano Pizza’s unique menu extends to their different types of pizzas, which include classic American staples like Hawaiian and barbecue chicken as well as exotic pizzas, such as their kabob pizza and “Mexican Style” pizza, which is made up of seasoned beef, chorizo, sausage, and vegetables. According to Waziri, the restaurant’s most famous pizza is the Margarita pizza, topped with whole tomato, Mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, oregano, garlic and olive oil. Any pizza can be turned into a sandwich as well, he said.

The lunch special at the restaurant includes one slice of a one topping pizza, which is nearly as big as most medium pizzas, for $3.99. Milano Pizza also delivers to any location in Turlock, free of charge.

“It’s good pizza and it’s a good price,” said Waziri.