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Cameo Pizza Celebrating 90 years!
For 90 years, Cameo Pizza has been serving more than great food—it has been bringing people together. From its beginnings in Sandusky to becoming a familiar name across northern Ohio and Put-in-Bay, the family-owned business has built its reputation on quality, hospitality, and lasting relationships.
The story began in 1936, when Jennie “Mamma” Lococo and her husband, Gus, opened the Cameo Nite Club on Monroe Street in Sandusky. Known for authentic Italian cooking and welcoming service, the restaurant quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Encouraged by family and friends, the Lococos began sharing Jennie’s recipes with the public, creating the foundation for what would become one of the area’s longest-running family businesses.
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Today, Cameo Pizza is owned by Matt Keech, along with his mother, Jane Keech, and cousin, Rob Keech. The family has continued the Cameo tradition since 1981, expanding to multiple locations throughout northern Ohio, including Put-in-Bay, while also operating the popular Cameo Pizza Truck.
Matt says the company’s success has always come down to fresh ingredients, family values, and creating memorable experiences for customers.
A Rich History
According to Matt, Cameo quickly became more than just a restaurant. “It became a neighborhood gathering place almost immediately,” he said. “It was one of the first businesses in town to have a liquor, beer and wine license, and people even stopped in to buy take-home jugs of draft beer.”
In the early 1950s, Cameo introduced its signature pizza before later becoming Cameo Sportsman’s Lounge, a popular gathering place for local athletes and families. Over the decades, the Monroe Street location has become a place where generations have celebrated birthdays, graduations, holidays and family milestones. “We’ve watched children grow up and eventually bring in families of their own,” Matt said. “Those relationships are what make Cameo so special.”
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A Commitment to Quality
While the menu has expanded over the years, pizza remains the restaurant’s most popular item.
“Rob oversees the preparation of our family’s dough and sauce recipes to ensure every location delivers the same quality,” Matt said. “We use our signature cheese blend and premium toppings, but our customers also love our salads and wings.”
One phrase printed on Cameo’s pizza boxes sums up the company’s philosophy: “Life is good with good people in it.”
“You can only be as good as the people around you,” Matt said. “We’re fortunate to have incredible employees and loyal customers who have become part of our extended family.”
Looking Ahead
Few family-owned restaurants reach the 90-year milestone. Matt credits Cameo’s longevity to the values passed down through generations.
“My mom always says it’s about faith, family, friends and good times,” he said. “We’ve always treated people with kindness and respect while serving the best product we can. Those values have carried us for 90 years.”
Today, Cameo Pizza operates its original Sandusky restaurant at 702 W. Monroe St. along with locations in Put-in-Bay (celebrating its 20th year under the Rhoad/Cultice ownership!), Catawba, Norwalk, Fremont, Perrysburg, Willard and Sylvania. The Cameo Pizza Truck is also available for weddings, graduations, festivals and private events throughout the Lake Erie region.
As Cameo celebrates its 90th anniversary, the Keech family remains committed to the tradition that began in 1936—bringing people together over great food and creating memories that last a lifetime.