OUR STORY
The History of Stellina Pizza Café in Colorado Springs: A Slice of Roman-Style Tradition
Nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs’ historic Middle Shooks Run neighborhood, Stellina Pizza Café has become a beloved local spot since its opening in May 2020. Housed at 749 E. Willamette Ave, this unassuming eatery offers a taste of authentic Roman-style pizza, from-scratch pasta, and handcrafted Italian dishes, blending culinary tradition with a modern, community-focused atmosphere. The story of Stellina is not just about its food but also the historic building it occupies and the vision of the Blue Star Group, which brought this concept to life.
The Building’s History: From Neighborhood Market to Culinary Hub
The building at 749 E. Willamette Ave has a rich history that mirrors the evolution of the Shooks Run neighborhood. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, it served as a neighborhood market for decades, first as the Little Market & Deli, which opened in 1910, and later as the Willamette Market & Deli.
These markets were cornerstones of the community, providing fresh goods to residents in an era when small, local grocers were the lifeblood of neighborhoods. The structure itself, with its classic architecture, features elements like white pressed tin ceilings and a warm, open layout that hint at its historic roots.
By the late 2010s, the Willamette Market & Deli had closed, leaving the space vacant but brimming with potential. In 2020, the Blue Star Group — a Colorado Springs-based hospitality collective known for concepts like The Blue Star, Principal’s Office at Ivywild School, and La’au’s Taco Shop, among others — saw an opportunity to transform the site. The group envisioned a neighborhood Italian restaurant that would honor the building’s legacy as a community gathering place while introducing a fresh culinary concept to the area. After renovations that preserved the building’s historic charm — such as the original tin ceilings, natural wood floors and the wooden screen door that now serves as a light fixture in the cafe — Stellina opened its doors, blending the old with the new in a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The Birth of Stellina Pizza Café: A Vision of Authenticity
Stellina Pizza Café was born out of a desire to bring the simplicity and authenticity of Italian cuisine to Colorado Springs, focusing on Roman-style pizza, handmade pastas, and a casual, welcoming vibe. The timing of the opening in May 2020 was challenging — right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic — but Stellina pressed forward, initially offering takeout through a window service model to adapt to restrictions.
Stellina’s menu is crafted with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the Blue Star Group’s commitment to sustainability and community support. Menu features were created with the help of Chef Will Merwin, who alongside Blue Star Group owner, Joe Coleman, traveled to Italy in October 2019 to study Roman culinary traditions. On that research and development excursion, a “Stellina” or “Little Star” was born! Merwin’s research inspired Stellina’s signature offerings: Roman-style pizza, known for its rectangular shape, airy crust, and three-day proofing process. To this day, Stellina uses a house sourdough starter named “Lucy,” for its pizza dough, and prides itself on authentic scratch-made pastas made with only Semolina flour, water and salt and a traditional Italian slow drying process. Additionally, Stellina’s dedication to authenticity and clean ingredients set it apart in a city already rich with pizza and pasta options, earning it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Pies that inspired the original Stellina menu include the Dar Poeta, named after the famous Dar Poeta restaurant in Rome that Will and Joe frequented during their research and development trip. The pie features mozzarella, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano artisanal spicy Italian sausage, and thinly sliced zucchini with a hint of Aleppo pepper for a salty-spicy balance. Another customer favorite, the Rocket, is topped with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a mound of fresh arugula (or rocket, as it’s called in Rome) with a lemon vinaigrette.
Beyond pizza, Stellina offers handmade pastas like the popular Italian Sausage Lasagna and the Cacio e Pepe. The menu also includes appetizers like the Warm Caprese with roasted tomatoes and arugula pesto, grass-fed beef Meatballs, and Focaccia, which is baked fresh daily.
Stellina’s beverage program, featuring House-made Limoncello, Italian wines, and rotating beer and cocktail taps, emphasizes sustainability by minimizing packaging waste — a nod to the Blue Star Group’s eco-conscious ethos, and desserts like House-made Gelato (including a popular pistachio flavor) round out the experience.
Community and Growth: Stellina’s Role in Colorado Springs
Since its opening, Stellina has become a neighborhood favorite, not just for its food but for its role as a community hub. The café’s location near the Shooks Run/Legacy Loop trails makes it a convenient stop for cyclists and walkers, while its proximity to downtown Colorado Springs draws a broader crowd.
The interior of Stellina, with its subway tile walls, long wooden tables, and open pizza kitchen, creates a warm, modern atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the building’s historic past. Outdoor seating on the patio offers a relaxed neighborhood dining option during warmer months.
Stellina’s commitment to the community is evident in its guiding statement, the Italian “Riportare il quartiere!” It means, “Bring back the neighborhood.” Aside from providing a space for friends and neighbors to gather, celebrate and remember, Stellina also hosts regular “Community Constellations” events which are regularly-scheduled dine-in evenings that host local organizations and donate 10% of sales back to the non-profits and schools. Since its inception, Stellina’s Community Constellations program has proudly donated thousands of dollars back to the local Pikes Peak-area community.
The Stellina Pizza Cafe team is deeply grateful for the incredible support and warmth received from the local community. From day one, the community’s loyalty, smiles, and kind words have fueled Stellina’s passion for creating delicious, handmade Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming space.
“We are honored to be part of such a vibrant neighborhood and look forward to continuing to serve you with heart, flavor, and gratitude in every bite.”
-Joe Coleman | Owner - Blue Star Group