Since its founding in 1870, Stevens has been an active member of the Hoboken community. After all, Hoboken is a small and welcoming, but also vibrant and walkable urban community that can truly complement anyone’s college experience. Stevens has integrated itself into the city of Hoboken not only by greatly contributing to the local economy but also by developing partnerships with members of the community and local businesses. One local establishment that Stevens has developed ties with is a pizza parlor on the corner of 6th and Washington Street: Giovanni’s Pizza, a student favorite and one of the most recognizable restaurants on Washington Street.
H&S Giovanni’s, referred to as “Gio’s” by most of its customers, is one of New Jersey’s most highly rated pizza parlors. Gio’s was founded in 1986 by Sergio Gashi and Shpend Malota, two Albanian businessmen who wanted to start a family-run restaurant in Hoboken, which was named after their grandfather, Giovanni Gashi. To this day, Gio’s is family operated and uses the same original sauces, blends of cheese, and recipes that were created by the founders. Gio’s has stayed true to its founding as a local business and continues to participate in community activities and events, as well as donate to local charities.
As much as it has contributed to the Hoboken community, Gio’s has involved itself with the Stevens community, specifically the student body and student organizations. “We develop relationships with the students because we know [they] come in here regularly,” Alban Malota said, founder Shpend Malota’s son and Gio’s manager. For as long as Gio’s has existed, it has supplied food for student events as well as assisted student organizations with philanthropies and service initiatives.
Most recently, Gio’s donated 10% of their proceeds to StevensTHON for customers who mentioned “StevensTHON” during their purchase. Malota stresses that the partnership Gio’s has with Stevens students is one based on Gio’s’ appreciation of the students Stevens has. “It’s not just about the business,” Malota siad. It’s about the quality of students Stevens has and the relationships we develop with the students, faculty, and staff overall.”
As always, students are welcome to reach out to Gio’s if they want assistance with their philanthropies or service initiatives. “We always like to give back to Stevens, help students out with events, and help with fundraisers,” Malota said.
