Pasta on Wheels is serving more than authentic Italian fare; it’s building stronger community connections.

Owned by Tammy Fazio, the food trailer (formerly Pittsburgh Food Angels) opened in January 2024 and is known for staple dishes such as pasta, paninis and soup, as well as a commitment to giving back. Pasta on Wheels donates a portion of its earnings to local charities, schools and youth sports programs.

The Italian trailer supplements concession stands at school sporting events, making quality food and drinks more affordable for children.

“I see kids playing the same sports or doing the same things my kids are doing, but they have no food, no water,” Tammy said.

They keep prices low when supplementing concession stands and donate 25 percent of their profits (rather than the usual 10 percent) in those settings. In 2025, she hopes to serve hospitals as well.

The Fazio family has deep roots in Mt. Lebanon. Tammy’s husband, Gino, a first-generation Italian American, was born and raised in the area, growing up on Fruithurst Drive, where all his aunts and uncles also lived.

“I grew up here, went to Mt. Lebanon High School and have many fond memories. I met a lot of close friends that I still talk to,” he said.

What sets Pasta on Wheels apart from other food trucks and trailers is that it’s not just a business; it’s a family affair. Tammy manages the trailer, preparing food, assembling orders and interacting with customers. Gino works behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“I check to make sure the generator is working, the vehicle has gas, all the lights are working … I’m behind the scenes,” he said. Their 13-year-old twin sons, Luca and Santino, pitch in as well.

“It’s helped me improve my math skills with giving out change and money,” Luca said. “It’s fun making food and giving out food to people and helping them.”

“Business can be hard and easy at times,” Santino added, but said interacting with customers greatly improved his communication skills.

Community response to Pasta on Wheels is positive, as many praise the food’s authenticity and the Fazio family’s warmth. In November, it was one of 20 businesses featured at the weekly food truck series on Serpentine Drive, part of the annual event that runs from spring through fall.

“She and her husband were able to work with our street to fill a vacancy. It was convenient, and I was surprised at how good the food was,” said Tom Richards, Serpentine Drive food truck organizer. After receiving positive feedback from attendees who reached out to praise the food, he hopes to have it back again this year.

Tammy’s passion for cooking began in her early teens at an Italian-owned family restaurant in Erie called Marucci’s, where she worked her way up from dishwasher to waitress and then bus girl. At age 16, she was taught how to short-order cook, eventually learning how to prep and do banquet cooking by age 18.

“It was one-on-one lessons on cooking … I learned how things are made from scratch and how Bill Marucci did them in Italy,” she said, referring to the restaurant’s owner at the time.

Tammy later completed a business degree from the University of Pittsburgh, but her love of cooking continued to tug at her heart. After a career in accounting and finance, she returned to college, earning a culinary degree and completing certifications. She is grateful for the new direction her career has taken.

As the food trailer’s popularity grows, Tammy remains focused on her mission: serving delicious meals, bringing friends and families together and helping the community.

Visit www.pastaonwheels.com for news and updates from the business.