Woodfire Pizza owners share their favorite local spots and events
Tell us about yourself:
Our names are Joe & Anne D'Astice. We live in Rockford, Illinois, where we own and operate Woodfire Pizza and Carlyle Brewing Co. and where we raise our three children. We also own Woodfire Pizza in West Dundee. Our passions lie in enriching our community with fresh, handcrafted food and drink, and giving our neighbors a place where they can feel like home. Both of our restaurants are located in historic buildings, just blocks from scenic river walks, and nestled among amazing, unique local businesses – representing that small town vibe we were looking for!
What town do you live in?
Rockford
How did you get started?
We started as a mobile wood-fired oven that catered graduation parties and served late-night snacks at wedding receptions back in 2010. Five years later, in 2015, we opened our first restaurant in an up-and-coming area of downtown Rockford. Then in 2018, we expanded to downtown West Dundee.
What are your favorite restaurants in the suburbs?
In our town, we really enjoy Cantina Taco and Disco Chicken, both of which are operated by close friends of ours. In West Dundee, we have been big fans of Elder and Oat, who have phenomenal coffee, and Rosie O'Hares, which is just a great neighborhood bar.
Any favorite places to grab a drink?
In a biased way, Woodfire has some great cocktails with good, simple ingredients. We also enjoy The Distant Social in East Dundee, they have a great bourbon selection and a fun wine list.
Any favorite events you like to attend?
We always are big fans of Stroll on State and Dickens in Dundee. The holiday events are great in bringing the whole community together. Additionally, the Rockford City Market is great. It is where we got our start, working out of a small mobile pizza oven. So many wonderful small businesses get a chance to be featured, and it is so fun to get a beer, walk around, and see all your neighbors.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids around the suburbs?
Our boys are involved in little league, and they both love that. Our daughter is involved in Girl Scouts, and their local chapter does such a great job teaching and mentoring young girls. Anytime we bring the kids to West Dundee, they beg us for a trip to Around the Corner Candy. It's hard to tell them no.
What store or service do you always recommend?
The Rockford Art Deli has been immensely helpful for years with all of our t-shirt printings. Boss Straw in Woodstock, where we get our paper straws, is a fantastic company, and their product is great too.
Any favorite weekend getaways?
We really enjoy going up to South Haven Michigan as a family every year to get fresh blueberries. We also enjoy the occasional trip up to Lake Geneva.
Why do you think the Chicago suburbs are a great place to live?
The suburbs have much more diversity than people give it credit for. So many great restaurants are right in your own neighborhood. Being in the suburbs, the cost of living is much more reasonable as well, so people are able to get out and try more things.
Where can readers connect with you?
You can follow us on instagram @woodfirewestdundee and order online with us from woodfire.pizza!
Life in the Burbs is an ongoing interview series where we profile local entrepreneurs and tastemakers from the Chicago Suburbs and have them share their favorite local places. Want to be featured or know someone we should chat with? Contact us here or send me an email at joe(at)burbsexplored.com.
