In 2012, Steve Del Gardo found a lump in his breast. Although less than one percent of men develop breast cancer, a doctor diagnosed him and he had a double mastectomy. In 2013, Del Gardo founded Protect the Pecs and traveled around the country to educate others about the rare but deadly condition. In 2017, Del Gardo decided he wanted to pursue his true passion: making cannoli.

"I don't want to be known as Steve Del Gardo, breast cancer survivor," Del Gardo said. "I want to be known as Steve Del Gardo the cannoli guy. I wanted to do something different." His dream will be realized Oct. 4 when his namesake Del Gardo's opens on Fifth Street in Covington. At his storefront, he will make more than 34 flavors of cannoli and sell them to the public.