(Trinidad Express) Businessman Richard Harford, the founder of Mario’s Pizzeria, has passed away at the age of 79.
Harford, affectionately known as “Big Slice”, died peacefully in his sleep around 12.25 am at his family’s Fairways, Maraval home.
“More than just the founder of Mario’s Pizzeria, he was a visionary, a beacon of inspiration, and a pillar of strength in Trinidad and Tobago’s culinary landscape. His larger-than-life persona was matched only by his boundless generosity, unwavering integrity, and profound kindness,” a release celebrating his life has stated.
In 1972, Harford transformed an ice cream shop into the nation’s first local pizza parlour.
“Richard’s dedication to his business and employees was unparalleled. His tireless work ethic, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail, ensured that every aspect of Mario’s operation reflected his unwavering standards of excellence. Despite facing formidable challenges, including competition from international conglomerates, Richard’s resilience and tenacity propelled Mario’s to unprecedented heights of success, with twenty-two thriving locations across Trinidad and expansion into Guyana,” it stated.