The Owners of Ardé Osteria & Pizzeria Adopt a Lamb

The line outside Wayne’s Ardé Osteria & Pizzeria is surprisingly not because of the authentic Italian food. No, the crowd surrounding the restaurant as of late is to welcome Peppe, a 5-week-old-lamb owned by the partners of the new pizza place. And believe it or not, his arrival all started with a search for the perfect peacock.

More than a week ago, co-owner and chef Pino DiMeo accompanied Rose Bridge Farm’s proprietor Kristin Sutch to a Pottstown farm to find peacocks for her own farm. While Sutch was perusing the area, the lamb spotted DiMeo walking around and trotted right over. Once the lamb found the chef, the unlikely pair became inseparable.

(From Left): Peppe the Lamb, Ardé partners Scott Stein and Pino DiMeo//All photos courtesy of Ardé Osteria & Pizzeria

Ardé owners and employees with Peppe

“We are restaurant owners—we are not to supposed to fall in love with the animals we cook. But one baby lamb and a magical holiday week has changed everything,” says Ardé partner Scott Stein.

Since then, the lamb has become something of a mascot for the restaurant. “Peppe literally will not leave Pino’s side,” Stein says. “He can cross the street without straying.”

DiMeo, Peppe and Stein outside of Vecchia Pizza

Not only has Peppe become friendly with plenty of Wayne residents (from humans to dogs), but he has also made visits to several establishments in the area. Greeting patrons outside of local businesses like Vecchia Pizza and Gryphon Cafe, Peppe is on his way to becoming the most popular lamb on the Main Line.

Peppe and DiMeo greet Wayne friends outside of the pizzeria

“The reaction from people is priceless. At first, they think it is a dog. Then they look a little closer and every time we hear, ‘Wow! Is that a baby sheep, a baby lamb? How does he not run away?’” Stein says.

The owners have plans to take their new furry friend on many field trips throughout the Main Line and Philadelphia. So next time you are in Wayne, stop in for a bite at Ardé Osteria & Pizzeria, but more importantly, stop in and meet Peppe.