Why We Chose an ESOP for Our Growth, Succession and Legacy Options

Restaurant transitions a unique benefit for its employees

by Anthony Spinato

In October 2025, our family-owned restaurant announced we were doing something unique: After more than five decades, Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen transitioned 49% of company ownership to eligible employees in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Now as an ESOP, one out of three Spinato’s employees is an owner. An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that provides … [More]