Background and Early Influences

Raised in Brooklyn, Iacono didn’t originally pursue a culinary path. However, he credits his grandmother, known for her exceptional cooking, as one of the early inspirations behind his love for food. Despite not having a background in cooking during his youth, those family kitchen memories stayed with him.

The Journey to Pizza

Before entering the restaurant world, Iacono worked in construction, specializing in stonework such as granite and marble. He later rented a small space on Henry Street — a former candy shop from his childhood — with the intention of preserving a local pizzeria for the community. Despite having no prior experience making pizza, he threw himself into the craft. He cites Domenico „Dom” DeMarco of the legendary Di Fara Pizza as a major influence, inspired by how DeMarco elevated pizza to a culinary art.

Controversy and Personal Life

In 2011, Iacono was injured in a highly publicized knife altercation with Batista „Benny” Geritano, a known ex-convict and reputed mob figure. Reports speculated that the conflict was linked to an attempted extortion of Iacono’s growing business. The incident took place outside Joe’s Superette, a long-standing local shop at Carroll and Smith Street.

Media Appearances and Influence

Mark Iacono has become a familiar face in food media, appearing on Netflix’s Ugly Delicious, The Pizza Show, and Munchies. He’s frequently seen alongside fellow pizzaiolo Frank Pinello. Despite his fame, Iacono remains grounded, once naming the humble English muffin pizza as one of his favorite comfort foods.