Nikki Ferraro grew up around the restaurant industry. And her husband’s parents own Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, a 30-year staple of the Las Vegas food scene. This year, Ferraro opened two locations of Pizza Forte (at Sunset Station and Hard Rock Hotel) and for the past year, she has served as president of the board of directors for Aid for AIDS of Nevada, which raised nearly $130,000 at this year’s Black & White Party and $440,000 at its annual AIDS Walk.
What is the best business advice you’ve received, and whom did it come from?
The advice was to love what I do every day or stop doing it. This comes from my 96-year-old great-grandmother.
If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be?
My husband, Mimmo, and I recently traveled to Minnesota for my best friend’s wedding. We opted out of renting a car because everything is so close to downtown and was right outside of our hotel. Bikes were available to rent for up to 24 hours. There were docking stations all over the city. We had the best time. I love traveling to cities like that because they are so full of outdoor activities. I wish we had more of that.
What did you learn from your experience at your family’s business, Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar?
I have learned in my career to never underestimate the people walking in the door. From T-shirts to suits, they are all people and deserve to be treated the same. I’m glad I understand the power of kindness; it has gotten me very far.
What makes Pizza Forte unique?
I know there are so many pizza shops around, and everyone has the same objective: to make a good pizza. I, however, think we really freaking do! Our dough and sauces are made fresh every day. Our produce is delivered every other day. We don’t even have a freezer. Plus, how many restaurants are there where you actually see the owners, chef and family members? You do at Pizza Forte.
All of our pizzas are made in the front of the house so you can watch your pizza being made. We encourage our staff to really engage the customers and to know something about them before they leave.
What are you reading?
“The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, and “How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale,” by Jenna Jameson and Neil Strauss.
What do you do after work?
Pick up the kids from school, run errands, put the kids to bed, then drink wine with friends. Our home is my favorite place to be. We have so many barbecues and nights in the backyard with the fire pit.
Describe your management style.
According to my husband, I am the loud one. I think I am relatable, and I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. I’m not going to tell you how I want things done; I’m going to show you.
Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years?
By 2025, hopefully juggling many more properties for Pizza Forte, yet still coming up with new and fun projects. We can’t afford for me to be bored; I’ll knock a wall down and figure out how to put it back up.
What is your dream job, outside of your current field?
Farm owner. We have two turtles, two dogs, five chickens, five fruit trees and a huge garden. My favorite time of the day is 6 a.m., when I wake up, make coffee, go in my backyard and water all of the trees and feed all of the animals. I let the kids pick the eggs. I would try to bring more animals home, but at this point, I think we are maxed.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
The world is a very large place. I would have to travel a lot more to find that place. But for now, I would have to say Napa. I get the best of all worlds — wine, land for my farm, adorable homes, amazing restaurants. I said wine, right?
Whom do you admire and why?
I have so much admiration for the women in my life. When my grandmother was raising me, and my mother-in-law was raising three kids, they did everything on their own. They got us ready for school, went to work, picked us up, made dinner, put us to bed and sometimes went back to work. No nanny, babysitters, neighbors or family to help out. We just went to work with them and figured it out. My Saturday and Sunday mornings consisted of pumping gas at my grandma’s gas station in New York, or when we moved to Wisconsin, sitting in the office while she did the books.
I honestly don’t know how they did it and got everything done. I bring food home from the restaurant on some nights because I can’t find the time to make dinner. Thank God my kids love pasta! I hope to pass down what these two amazing women taught me.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
So, so many. Personally, it’s how long it takes my husband to answer questions. “Babe, want to go to a movie?” Ten minutes later, he answers. How long does it really take to answer that question? Clearly that one still gets me; it’s fresh.
At work, it’s when people eat more than half of their food, then complain about it. It was so bad, I ate almost all of it. Go home! Also, I am understanding of dietary restrictions and complications — my son and husband are lactose-intolerant — but when people come into the pizza shop and want us to make them a gluten-free, no-cheese, veggie-only-but-no-peppers-because-it-gives-them-gas-and-no-onions-because-they-don’t-like-them whole pizza, then only want to buy a single slice.
Where do you like to go for business lunches?
I’ll dine anywhere with a patio.
What is something people might not know about you?
I’m double-jointed and can walk on my toes. I also have an obsession with tree houses, and I am capable of eating an entire pack of double-stuffed Oreos by myself in one sitting. I eat them after the kids go to bed so I don’t have to share.