Help Reopen Albertino’s Pizza – Honoring My Dad’s Legacy

Honoring My Dad, Keeping Albertino’s Pizza Alive for Cranston

My dad, Al Nielson, was the heart of Albertino’s Pizzeria. He wasn’t just a business owner—he was a cornerstone of this community. If you walked through those doors, you weren’t just a customer; you were family. He knew your kids’ names and watched many of them grow up. He asked about your dogs and family pets and bonded with them as if they were his own. And if you were struggling? He helped. No questions asked.

Albertino’s was never just about pizza; it was about people, and it showed.

On December 6, my dad passed away unexpectedly. In the blink of an eye, everything changed. I lost my father, a stabilizing force in my life, and the man who built something truly special for Cranston was gone. What I didn’t expect in the immediate aftermath of this tremendous loss was the outpouring of love from this community and the sheer number of people who came forward to share how much my dad meant to them.

That’s why I can’t let this be the end of his legacy.

To reopen Albertino’s, I need help. The costs to get back on our feet—covering supplier obligations, replenishing inventory, and handling essential expenses—are beyond what I can manage alone. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to turning the lights back on and serving this community once again.

If my dad’s kindness ever touched your life, if Albertino’s ever felt like more than just a place to eat, I ask you to help me carry his hard work and dedication forward. This isn’t just about reopening a pizzeria; it’s about preserving something that meant the world to him—and to so many of you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me keep my dad’s legacy alive.

How Your Support Will Help Reopen Albertino’s (Al’s Legacy Pizzeria)

Every dollar raised will go directly toward reopening Albertino’s and ensuring we can continue serving Cranston just like my dad did for 18 years. Here’s exactly how your contributions will be used:

1. Outstanding Supplier Obligations – $15,000

Before we can reopen, we need to settle past balances with key suppliers to restore relationships and restock the high-quality ingredients that made Albertino’s special.

2. Inventory & Ingredients – $12,000

Fresh dough, cheese, sauce, toppings, and all the essential ingredients needed to bring back the signature flavors you love.

3. Equipment Repairs & Maintenance – $18,000

Our pizza ovens, refrigeration units, and prep stations require servicing and potential repairs to ensure smooth operation.

4. Licensing & Permits – $5,000

This covers health department approvals, business licenses, and other necessary permits to legally reopen.

5. Staffing & Payroll – $10,000

After months of closure, these funds will help support our incredible existing staff as we get back on our feet. Additionally, we need to train team members to take on the responsibilities my dad handled himself to ensure a smooth reopening and future success.

6. Utilities & Operating Expenses – $10,000

Covering rent, electricity, gas, water, and other essential expenses needed to keep the doors open.

7. Marketing & Community Outreach – $5,000

Spreading the word through social media, local promotions, and community events to make sure everyone knows Albertino’s is back!

A Note About the Name Change

For now, we are reopening as Al’s Legacy Pizzeria to honor my dad while we work through probate. Our goal is to restore the Albertino’s Pizza name as soon as everything is legally sorted. No matter the name, the heart, flavors, community spirit, and our incredible staff will remain the same.

Total Goal: $75,000

Our initial goal is set at $6,000 to gain momentum, but every dollar raised will bring us closer to the full $75,000 needed to reopen completely. If we surpass our goal, additional funds will go toward long-term stability and improvements to keep Albertino’s thriving for years to come.

Thank you for believing in Albertino’s and helping me keep my dad’s legacy alive. Your support means the world!