Our Story

About Piada Italian Street Food

We're passionate believers that authentic piada — the beloved Italian street food — deserves a permanent home in the United States. From fresh-rolled flatbreads to vibrant hand-crafted fillings, every dish at Piada tells the story of Italy's culinary tradition, reimagined for the modern food lover.

Piada Italian street food preparation in Carmel Indiana
Fresh piada ingredients and Italian cooking tradition
Our Beginning

Where It All Started

The story of Piada begins on a cobblestone street in Romagna, northern Italy — where the piada flatbread has been a staple for centuries. Our founder Marco Vitale fell in love with the simplicity and soulfulness of piada italian street food during a summer in Italy, and knew he had to bring this tradition home.

In 2015, Marco opened the first Piada location in Carmel, Indiana. What started as a small counter with a wood-fired oven and a handful of rotating fillings quickly grew into a beloved destination for anyone craving genuine piada italian flavors made with local Indiana ingredients.

9+
Years Serving
50k+
Happy Guests
30+
Menu Items

"Food is how cultures say 'welcome'. Our piada is our invitation to the whole United States — come eat, share, and feel at home."

— Marco Vitale, Founder & Head Chef
What Drives Us

Our Mission & Vision

Every rolled piada, every hand-chopped salad, and every bowl of pasta we serve is guided by three core commitments that shape everything we do.

Fresh & Honest Ingredients

We source locally whenever possible and never use artificial preservatives. Our piada dough is rolled fresh every morning — just as they do in Italy.

Community & Connection

We believe dining is a shared experience. Our open kitchen, communal tables, and neighborhood events are all built around bringing people together over great piada.

Authentic Italian Craft

Our recipes trace back to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. We honor those traditions while adapting flavors that resonate with guests across the United States.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

At Piada, our values aren't just words on a wall — they're the reason our team shows up every day with passion and pride to serve authentic piada italian street food.

Uncompromising Quality

We never cut corners on ingredients, preparation, or presentation. Every dish must meet our Italian street food standard.

People First

Our guests and our team are our greatest asset. We invest in both through hospitality training and a welcoming culture.

Sustainable Practices

From eco-friendly packaging to reducing food waste, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously.

Continuous Innovation

We embrace seasonal specials, new filling combinations, and community feedback to keep our menu exciting.

Giving Back

We partner with local food banks and schools in Carmel, IN to ensure our community thrives together.

Piada team preparing fresh Italian street food with quality ingredients
Our Journey

The Piada Timeline

From a single flatbread recipe to a thriving piada italian street food destination in Carmel, Indiana — here's how we got here.

2014

The Italian Inspiration

Founder Marco Vitale travels through Emilia-Romagna and discovers the piada flatbread tradition. He begins documenting recipes and sourcing authentic techniques to bring to the United States.

2014
2015

First Location Opens

Piada opens its doors at 1380 S Rangeline Rd, Carmel, IN. The first week sells out completely — locals immediately fall in love with authentic piada italian street food.

2015
2017

Best New Restaurant Award

Piada is named "Best New Restaurant" by Indiana Food Weekly, and the piada italian concept earns recognition from national food media for its authentic approach.

2017
2019

Menu Expansion

We double our menu offerings, adding fresh pasta bowls, handcrafted salads, and seasonal specials. The expanded piada menu attracts a new generation of food enthusiasts.

2019
2021

Catering & Delivery Launch

Piada launches full catering services and online delivery, bringing authentic piada italian street food directly to homes and offices across the greater Carmel area.

2021
2024

50,000 Guests Served

We celebrate a major milestone: 50,000 guests served since opening. Our community continues to grow, and we're more committed than ever to exceptional piada quality.

2024
The People

Meet Our Team

Behind every perfectly rolled piada is a dedicated team of chefs, food lovers, and hospitality professionals who bring their best every single day.

Marco Vitale, Founder and Head Chef of Piada
Founder & Head Chef

Marco Vitale

A Romagna-born chef who brought the piada tradition to the United States. Marco trained under a master piadina maker in Bologna before opening Piada in Carmel.

Sofia Caruso, Sous Chef at Piada Italian Street Food
Sous Chef

Sofia Caruso

A culinary school graduate with a passion for fresh pasta and seasonal vegetables. Sofia leads our daily prep and creates new menu items inspired by piada italian traditions.

James Okafor, Operations Manager at Piada
Operations Manager

James Okafor

James keeps the Piada kitchen running like a well-oiled machine. With 12 years in restaurant management, he ensures every guest experience exceeds expectations.

Elena Russo, Guest Experience Lead at Piada
Guest Experience Lead

Elena Russo

Elena brings warmth and energy to every guest interaction. She oversees front-of-house operations and ensures the Piada dining experience feels like a visit to Italy.

Want to be part of the Piada family?

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Come Visit Us

Taste the Piada Difference

Ready to experience authentic piada italian street food for yourself? Come visit us in Carmel, IN or place your order online today.

1380 S Rangeline Rd, Carmel, IN 46032
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