Our History…

In 1951, Bruno Itin immigrated to Indiana from his home in Switzerland. Upon his arrival, he found a job working construction in Gary where he worked for two years. During this time, Bruno took a second job as a baker at the Famous Flamingo restaurant where he continued to practice the trade he originally learned in Switzerland.

In 1953, Bruno moved to South Bend where he was employed at the Volcano restaurant until 1955. It was during this time that Bruno met his wife, Evelyn. Bruno and Evelyn moved to West Lafayette, a college town without any pizza places at the time, and they established the first one. Bruno's Pizza opened for business on August 30, 1955, just 10 days after they were married. When the restaurant first opened, Bruno's now famous pizza was the only item served. As the restaurant grew, Bruno added a variety of unique Swiss, Italian, German, and American dishes to the menu.

After an extensive remodeling project in 1970, Bruno changed the name of the restaurant to Bruno's Swiss Inn. The name reflected the Swiss Chalet design of the "new" building. Additional remodeling and expansion was completed in 1976, and the restaurant was furnished in authentic artifacts of Switzerland to provide an atmosphere reminiscent of a mountainside inn. In 1998, due to US 231 road construction, Bruno's relocated to 212 Brown Street, right across the street from the old restaurant. Bruno's new building featured Big O's Sports Room as well as rooms with the Swiss design of the old restaurant.

Bruno died suddenly in 2006 leaving a local legacy behind. He will always be remembered for his one of a kind personality, strong work ethic, and generosity.

Orlando, Bruno Jr., and Tina continued their father’s legacy at the 212 Brown Street location through February 2024. Bruno’s legacy will now proudly continue from the 2nd generation to the 3rd as Bruno’s granddaughters, with the support of their family, open Bruno’s Pizza at it’s third location in November 2024. The Itin Family is honored to see the same traditions continue in the new West Lafayette location and grateful for the positive outpouring of support and excitement from the community.