Trio’s Tomato Pie opened their Elkins Park location in March 2019.

In the face of rising prices and shapeshifting CDC guidelines, the pandemic actually boosted business.

“2020 was a little confusing because we had so many stipulations in terms of what we’re allowed to do,” co-owner Giuliano Presta said. “But it actually increased business via carry out and delivery. That continued through 2021 when we were offering curbside. I hate to say it like that, but it actually helped us.”

Like any other eatery, Trio’s has battled supply chain issues and upticks in product pricing. The sit-down Italian restaurant uses mostly imported goods, some of which have doubled or tripled in price.

“Everything’s up about 200 percent,” Giuliano said. “They’ve gone up again in 2022. We held out our prices for awhile, and we understand that everyone is feeling that pressure now, especially with a recession looming.”

He noted that a 50 lb. bag of flour, which cost $13-14 four years ago, is now around $25.

“The peak was $30, if you could get it at all. We only went up a dollar or two, when it could’ve been a $5 rise,” he said. “Drivers were short, workers were short, everything. Same for butter, milk. They’ve all shot up.”

“We brought more people in and raised wages to keep everyone employed as best we could,” he said.

Giuliano, along with his father, uncle, and brother Antonio opened Adelina’s Restaurant & Bar in Chestnut Hill on January 6, 2022, and the upscale Italian restaurant has seen similar success.

“The start of the year was a nightmare, but we’re doing well now,” he said. “Trio’s Elkins Park has been open almost four years now. People responded well having a second location not too far from the other one.”

For more on Trio’s Tomato Pie Elkins Park, 939 Township Line Road, you can visit their website and Facebook page.

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