Joe Leones: From Mozzarella to Milestones — The Story Behind 20+ Years of Success

It's a milestone moment — the 200th episode of Grit Won't Quit! For this special episode, Tom sits down with Joe Leone and John Hilla, the brother-in-law duo behind the beloved Joe Leone's Italian market. With over 20 years in business, Joe and John share the story of how it all began with a simple idea — "we're gonna make a few meatballs and mozzarella, it'll be fun" — and how that passion grew into a Jersey Shore staple. They talk about taking big risks at a young age, surviving the seasonal challenges of the Shore, and the lessons learned from starting with nothing but hard work and faith that "we better make some money today." From Superstorm Sandy to the pandemic, they've seen it all — and through it, they've stayed true to what matters most: listening to their customers, investing in their team, and doing what they do best, the right way. This episode is packed with stories about resilience, community, and decades of determination.