History of Zuppardi's Apizza 90th anniversary celebration: A 90-Year Legacy of Love, Family, and Pizza

As the sun rose over West Haven, Connecticut, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Families, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate a milestone few achieve: Zuppardi's Apizza's 90th anniversary. This beloved pizzeria is more than a restaurant; it's a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and community.

The Origins of Zuppardi's Apizza a Legacy of New Haven-style pizza in West Haven

The story of Zuppardi's Apizza begins over 90 years ago in New Haven, Connecticut. Dominic Zuppardi, an Italian immigrant, arrived in America with a dream and a passion for baking. Trained as a master bread-baker on the Amalfi Coast, Dominic opened Salerno’s Bakery in 1932. By 1934, he moved his business to Union Avenue in West Haven, where it would grow into the legendary Zuppardi's Apizza we know today​.

Dominic’s son, Anthony, took over the business in the late 1940s after his father suffered a stroke. Anthony, a Navy cook during World War II, decided to shift the bakery’s focus to pizza, a move that would cement the family's place in culinary history. By 1947, Salerno’s Bakery was renamed Zuppardi's Apizza, and a new era began​.

The Pizza Community Celebration

The 90th anniversary celebration was a fitting tribute to the Zuppardi family's dedication and hard work. Craig from Big Boy Entertainment kicked off the festivities, setting a joyful tone that resonated with everyone present. Colin Caplan, a close friend of the family, entrepreneur, and historian, shared heartfelt stories of his personal connections with Zuppardi's, emphasizing the pizzeria’s integral role in local life​​.

Father Jose Marcado from St. John Vianney blessed the event, highlighting the spiritual and communal significance of Zuppardi's. His words underscored how the pizzeria has been a place of joy, celebration, and family gatherings for decades​.

Proclamations and Honors

Mayor Dorinda Borer presented a proclamation from the City of West Haven, recognizing the Zuppardi family's immense contributions to the community. She recounted her own childhood memories of trick-or-treating and receiving pizza from Anthony Zuppardi, a tradition that left a lasting impression on her and many others.

State representatives and officials, including State Representative Bill Heon and State Senator James Maroney, offered their congratulations and gratitude. Even Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz sent her regards, acknowledging the pizzeria’s role in promoting Connecticut’s culinary heritage​.

Zuppardi Family at the Heart

Cheryl and Lori Zuppardi, granddaughters of founder Dominic, have been the heart and soul of Zuppardi's for many years. Cheryl, who learned to make pizza from her father at the age of 10, has worn many hats, from manager to bookkeeper to resident baker. Lori has expanded the business’s reach with innovative shipping solutions, ensuring that Zuppardi’s pizza can be enjoyed nationwide​.

Their children, the fourth generation, and now the fifth generation, represented by Kennedy, Anthony Jr., Sebastian, Amelia, Anderson, and Austin, continue the family tradition. Each member plays a crucial role in maintaining the high standards set by their forebears, from running the pizza truck to managing the frozen pizza business​​.

A Rich History and Bright Future

The history of Zuppardi's is rich with memories and milestones. From its humble beginnings during the Great Depression to becoming a cornerstone of the New Haven pizza scene, Zuppardi's has always been about more than just pizza. It's about family, community, and a shared love for good food.

Over the years, Zuppardi's has received numerous accolades, being featured on major TV networks and recognized as the best pizza in Connecticut. Their menu has evolved to include modern favorites while staying true to the traditional recipes that made them famous. Customer favorites like the Fresh Clam pizza and the Spicy Shrimp Casino continue to delight and impress​.

My own Personal Story: A Connection Through Generations

As a kid, my grandmother used to drag us all the way from Fairfield just to get a taste of Zuppardi's famous sausage Apizza. We would wait for hours in line, but it was always worth it! Nothing has changed since then, except for the addition of the Apizza Truck. Zuppardi's still owns the street and continues to serve the best pizza west of New Haven. In my own opinion, it's even better than the other top 3 pizzerias that always get mentioned. The thin-crust pizza, baked in a coal-fired oven with fresh ingredients and family recipes, is simply delicious. My personal favorite, the Fresh Clam pizza, is a must-try. Zuppardi's take on this New Haven classic is second to none. It's a white pizza prepared with shucked-to-order littleneck clams baked on fresh dough with a mixture of garlic and spices. It's widely considered one of the best clam pizzas in the country. If you're a fan of seafood, make sure to ask to add mozzarella for an extra creamy touch. "For the ultimate Surf & Turf pizza sandwich, try mashing a slice of Handmade Sausage Pizza with a Whole Belly Clam pizza – A Pro Move!!

Zuppardi's Apizza is a true gem that has remained a beloved neighborhood spot for generations, and it's not hard to see why. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out! This piece of history inspired me as a child to understand the value of traditional and cultural food and finding the best mom-and-pop businesses that carried out traditions. It inspired me to get involved in culinary arts and become a trained chef and passionate foodie. Something as simple as pizza and family traditions has led me to become the owner of BISTRO BUDDY, a food and drink social network that allows all food historians, foodies, and food entrepreneurs a platform to document our traditions from 90 years ago to the new traditions that will be our legacy of food and community all-stars.

As the celebration drew to a close, Lori Zuppardi took the stage, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Zuppardi's over the years. Her words captured the essence of what makes Zuppardi's special: a deep commitment to quality, a love for the community, and an unbreakable family bond.

For 90 years, Zuppardi's Apizza has been more than a pizzeria. It’s a living testament to the power of tradition, the importance of family, and the joy of sharing a meal with those you love. Here’s to another 90 years of delicious pizza, cherished memories, and the Zuppardi family’s enduring legacy. Buon appetito!

In an unexpected reversal at Connecticut Superior Court, Riko's Pizza, the renowned Stamford-based pizzeria famous for its artisanal thin-crust pizzas and unique hot oil flavor, has successfully navigated a legal hurdle that threatened its foundational Hope Street location. This dispute arose last year when TPW Partners filed an eviction lawsuit over alleged non-payment of additional utility-related rent, casting a shadow on Riko's ambitious plans for national expansion. Dive into our previous coverage from January 25, 2023, for more context on this developing story: Read the full article. Here’s how Riko’s has emerged victorious, fortifying its presence in Stamford and propelling its expansion across new markets.

The Resolution

After a tense legal standoff, the fate of Riko's Pizza at its iconic Hope Street location was decided in the Connecticut Superior Court. The landlord, TPW Partners, had filed a lawsuit claiming that Riko's owed $39,926 in additional rent for utilities over the course of their lease. This lawsuit put Riko's right to extend their lease into question and even demanded their eviction.

Courtroom Drama

The trial, which lasted two days, was filled with testimonies from various witnesses and examination of over 25 exhibits. Ultimately, Judge John Cirello ruled in favor of Riko's Pizza, finding the claims of unpaid additional rent by TPW to be unsubstantiated. The judge cited the legal doctrine of laches, emphasizing that the landlord's delay in pursuing the claims likely prejudiced their position.

Key Points from the Trial

1. Utility Metering Dispute: The building wasn't initially set up with separate meters for water and sewer services. Although a separate water meter was installed shortly after the lease began in 2016, complications with utility companies prevented proper billing directly to Riko's.
2. Landlord's Oversight: The court noted that TPW Partners failed to perform basic checks on the meter to determine actual usage by Riko's. Instead, they relied on estimates, which the judge criticized as inadequate for demanding payment.

The Aftermath

With the eviction threat now lifted, Riko's Pizza not only continues to serve its community but also looks forward to a stable future with four years remaining on its current lease and an option to renew for another five years.

Expansion and Community Impact

Riko's Pizza isn't just staying put; it's expanding. New franchise locations have opened in Long Island, Massachusetts, and Florida, with plans underway for a North Carolina outlet. Locally, Riko's continues to thrive with additional locations in Norwalk, Fairfield, and Darien.

A Culinary Staple

Riko's Pizza remains a culinary staple in Stamford and beyond. Known for its unique offerings like salad pizzas, oven-baked wings, and its signature hot oil pizza topped with homemade oil and stinger peppers, Riko's ensures that its menu keeps customers coming back for more.

Looking Forward

As Riko's Pizza moves past its legal troubles, the focus is now on continued growth and maintaining the high-quality and innovative dining experiences that have defined its success. With a strong foundation in Stamford and an expanding franchise network, the future looks promising for this local favorite turned national contender.

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