News Summary
Jim Balistreri, a pivotal figure in Milwaukee’s culinary scene, has passed away at the age of 81. Known for his unique pizza style and lasting impact on the local food culture, Balistreri’s culinary journey began at a young age, shaping the pizza landscape in Milwaukee through decades of dedication. As the community reflects on his legacy, Balistreri’s contributions will be remembered by countless patrons and food enthusiasts.
Milwaukee is mourning the loss of a key figure in its culinary history, as Jim Balistreri, aged 81, passed away on Thursday. His contributions to the local pizza scene were significant, and he is remembered fondly by many in the community.
Balistreri’s passing was confirmed by mutual friend “College” Dave Mikolajek, who communicated the news to local residents through a message. His departure marks the end of an era for Milwaukee’s pizza culture, a legacy built over several decades.
Born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, Balistreri embarked on his food industry journey at a remarkably young age. He began working at his uncle’s Bella Food Service at just 10 years old in 1954. By 1958, he moved to Milwaukee, where he started making pizzas at the Caradaro Club, a restaurant that holds the distinction of introducing pizza to the city.
Balistreri’s connection to the Caradaro Club ran deep; his mother also worked there as a waitress. His commitment to the food industry continued after he completed his military service in 1964. He subsequently partnered with Caradaro owner Chuck Mazza, launching multiple Caradaro locations around the city.
In 1971, the duo opened two new restaurants at pivotal locations, including 68th and Wells Streets in Wauwatosa and at 49th and Burleigh Street in Milwaukee, as well as another establishment at 159th Street and National Avenue in New Berlin. Over time, all locations closed, with Balistreri taking over the Wauwatosa venue and renaming it to Balistreri’s Italian-American Ristorante, situated at 812 N. 68th St.
In 1996, he expanded further by opening Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn at 6501 W. Bluemound Rd., which remains in operation today. His unique pizza style, known for its ultra-thin and crispy crust, is a direct descendant of the original Caradaro Club recipe, which he refined over the years.
Balistreri’s legacy extends beyond just his restaurants; he earned deep respect from local food enthusiasts and maintained a warm appreciation for the art of pizza making in Milwaukee. As an influential figure in the local restaurant scene, his countless contributions are fondly remembered. His devoted clientele and local residents alike honor him for providing decades of great pizza, delighting many who enjoyed his culinary creations.
As the Milwaukee community reflects on Balistreri’s life, the impact he had on the city’s culinary landscape is clear. His passion for sharing pizza with others and nurturing a beloved tradition has left an enduring mark on the area’s food culture, ensuring that his legacy will be cherished for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- On Milwaukee: Jim Balistreri
- USA Today: Balistreri’s Ristorante Opening
- On Milwaukee: Balistreri’s Holiday Hidden Gem
- Milwaukee Magazine: New Music Venues
- Max Sass: Cindy A. Balistreri Obituary
- Wikipedia: Pizza
- Google Search: Jim Balistreri
- Google Scholar: Pizza Cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza
- Google News: Milwaukee Cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
