Ellio’s Pizza, a beloved American frozen pizza brand, has undergone several ownership transitions since its inception. Founded in 1963 by Elias Betzios, George Liolis, and Manny Tzelios in Great Neck, New York, the brand’s name is a combination of the founders’ first names, “Ellio” representing Elias and “Pizza” reflecting the product.

Ownership History

1. Founding and Early Years (1963-1988) Ellio’s Pizza started in Great Neck, New York, quickly gaining popularity for its affordable and convenient frozen pizzas. The original founders were passionate about creating a quality product that could be enjoyed by families across America.
2. McCain Foods Acquisition (1988) In 1988, McCain Foods, a Canadian food corporation, acquired Ellio’s Pizza. The brand continued to operate under McCain’s ownership, with production moved to Lodi, New Jersey. McCain expanded the brand’s reach but maintained its commitment to delivering the same great taste and convenience.
3. Dr. Oetker Acquisition (2014) In 2014, McCain Foods sold its North American pizza business, including Ellio’s Pizza, to Dr. Oetker, a large German company known for its frozen food products. This transition marked the beginning of Ellio’s Pizza being part of a European conglomerate.
4. Women-Owned Business Status (2020-Present) In 2020, Ellio’s Pizza underwent another major ownership change when it was purchased by a New Jersey mother, marking its status as a certified women-owned business. Since then, the brand has been owned and distributed by G.A. Productions LLC, based in Lodi, New Jersey.

Clarification on Dio Productions Involvement

While some may have questioned the involvement of a company called Dio Productions in Ellio’s Pizza’s ownership history, no verifiable information or credible sources confirm such a transaction. The key documented transitions have been the ones mentioned above, including ownership by McCain Foods, Dr. Oetker, and the current owners, G.A. Productions LLC.

For further details about Ellio’s Pizza and its legacy, you can visit their official website.