The Arrival of Homemade Pizza in America

Wholesome and delicious homemade pizza originated in the Naples in the 1830s, but it had to make its way to America at some time. That time was 1905, when Anthony “Totonno” Pero worked at a grocery store called  Gennaro Lombardi’s in New York City’s Little Italy. Looking to make a little extra cash, Totonno started selling pizza out of the back of the shop. The dish became so famous that in 1905, the grocery store turned into a bona fide pizzeria and started focusing on their main specialty.

The restaurant operated that way out of Little Italy for nearly a century. Many of the original customers were known to bring their own children to taste the pizza that had become so famous. In 1984, the restaurant closed down, and it was truly a sad day for Little Italy. For ten years, the loyal customers went without, but still always spoke of the “first pizza in America,” and how none had come close to touching it since.

People couldn’t believe it when, in 2005, it was announced that this famous pizzeria was coming back, but it was true! Using the same recipe, and opening under the same name, the restaurant opened ten years after it’s closing date. It was also at that time that it was the 100-year anniversary and the restaurant had a special way to celebrate! In honor of the event, the pizzeria offered slices for the same price that they offered them when they first opened in 1905 – $0.05 each!

When you want to know more interesting pizza trivia, or just want to know where you can find the best for you, come see us at DeIorios Foods Inc!