Chris Bianco, a celebrated chef and restaurateur hailing from Arizona, United States, has made a name for himself in the culinary world. He is the founder of Bianco Food and Pizzeria Bianco. Bianco’s journey to mastery in pizza-making took him to Italy, where he honed his skills, ultimately paving the way for his success in the pizza industry.
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Quick Facts
- Full Real Name: Chris Bianco
- Nickname: Chris
- Age (as of 2024): 64 years old
- Popular as: Popular for being the owner of Pizzeria Bianco
- Profession: Businessman, Chef
- Date of Birth: In 1960
- Place of Birth: Bronx, New York
- Education: Dropped High School
- Net worth: $10-$12 US Dollars (approx.)
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christianity
- Zodiac Sign: Not Known
- Languages: English
- Weight (approx.): In Kilograms: 85 kg, In Pounds: 187 lbs.
- Height (approx.): In Feet Inches: 5′ 10″
Chris Bianco Age & Early Life
Chris Bianco was born in 1960, hailing from the Bronx, New York. Growing up in Ossining, New York, Chris faced health challenges due to asthma, which often kept him indoors. It was during these times at home that his aunt introduced him to the art of cooking.
Chris’s culinary journey began at the age of 13 when he took on his first job at a local pizzeria. Opting out of high school, he delved into mastering the craft of pizza-making. His education continued as he learned the art of producing mozzarella cheese at Mike’s Deli in the Bronx.
In 1985, Chris won two tickets to anywhere in the United States, leading him to choose Phoenix as his destination. Enchanted by the city, he decided to make it his permanent home. Starting with selling his homemade mozzarella from his residence, Chris gradually expanded his venture, supplying to nearby Italian eateries.
Chris Bianco Height & Weight
Chris Bianco stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 85 kg. He possesses warm brown eyes and grey locks, exuding a distinctive charm. While specific measurements such as chest-waist-hip, dress size, shoe size, and biceps are unavailable, Chris’s stature reflects his robust presence.
In terms of his net worth, Chris Bianco commands a significant sum owing to his successful restaurant ventures. According to reliable sources, his net worth is estimated to be between $10 and $12 million USD as of January 2024.
Career
Chris’s life took a significant turn when he relocated to Phoenix and began supplying mozzarella cheese to a local pizza establishment. This venture provided him with invaluable insights into catering operations. It was during this time that he first experimented with crafting pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Recognizing his potential, Cosco, an attendee at a catering event, offered him a small corner in his shop to sell and create pizzas.
Chris’s creations, including Margherita, Marinara, and a unique signature pizza, quickly gained popularity among customers at the corner of the grocery shop. Inspired by this success, in 1988, he conceived the idea of refining his pizza-making skills into a lucrative full-time profession.
Determined to elevate his craft, Chris diligently saved money to journey to Italy and undergo intensive pizza-making training. Following six months of study abroad, he returned to the United States and settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, he honed his skills further while working at an Italian restaurant for three years.
In 1994, Chris returned to Phoenix and realized his dream by opening his own pizzeria, Pizzeria Bianco, situated in the Town & Country Shopping Center Mall. Building on the triumph of Pizzeria Bianco, he expanded his culinary empire by founding Bar Bianco in 1997, continuing to flourish in his endeavors.
His culinary prowess was duly recognized when he received the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2003. Continuing his entrepreneurial journey, Chris established a new venture, pane bianco, in 2005, specializing in lunches and sandwiches located on Central Avenue, a short distance from Pizzeria Bianco.
However, in 2010, due to health concerns stemming from asthma exacerbated by exposure to oven heat and flour, physicians advised Chris to step away from the kitchen. Consequently, his brother Marco Bianco took over the pizza-making process, ensuring the legacy of Chris’s culinary excellence lives on.
Chris Bianco Wife & Marriage
Who is Chris Bianco’s wife? Chris Bianco tied the knot with Mia Bianco on March 2, 2013, when he was nearing the end of his 50-year journey. Currently, Chris and Mia are proud parents to three children. Their eldest daughter, Nina Rose Bianco, was born on April 10, 2014, followed by their second child, Leo David Bianco, born on December 12, 2015. Their youngest daughter, Eva Lena Bianco, was born on September 29, 2017.
Mia plays a vital role in their family, caring for all three children as well as contributing to the management of some of Chris’s restaurant ventures.
