Time until 100th anniversary
1925 - 1944
1925
THE BEGINNING
After immigrating to New Haven from Italy following their marriage, Frank and Filomena Pepe opened Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana at 163 Wooster Street, which was a bakery at the time. As Italian immigrants, they brought with them a passion for sharing their traditional cuisine. Frank Pepe, who did not have any reading or writing skills, relied heavily upon Filomena's support and business acumen. Her literacy and involvement were fundamental in establishing the business, while her husband focused on perfecting the pizza that would soon become a New Haven staple. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become a legendary family-run pizzeria.
1925 - 1944
1936
A Major Move - 157 Wooster Street
Due to the end of their rental agreement at 163 Wooster Street and the growing demand for pizza, Frank Pepe purchased the building next door at 157 Wooster Street. This new location offered more space, complete with tables and chairs for guests to sit and enjoy their meals—a first for Frank Pepe's, marking the transition from a bakery to a full restaurant. To enhance the dining experience, Frank Pepe applied for a beer license, successfully convincing the State of Connecticut that a pizza constituted a full meal—setting a precedent for other pizzerias in the area to follow. Frank also moved his family into the apartments above the restaurant, making the pizzeria the heart of both their personal and professional lives.
1945 - 1964
Old Reliable
Frank Pepe became a beloved figure in the Wooster Square community, earning the nickname "Old Reliable." His contributions extended beyond his pizzeria, as he was known for his generosity and commitment to helping his neighbors. His unwavering love for his growing extended family was evident in his involvement both in the business and the local community.
1965 - 1984
Family Legacy
Frank Pepe passed away in 1969, followed by his wife, Filomena, in 1971. After their passing, their daughters Elizabeth and Serafina took over full ownership and operation of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Committed to preserving their parents' legacy, Elizabeth and Serafina dedicated their lives to the pizzeria, managing all aspects of the business—from taking orders and hiring to payroll and daily operations. Their hard work and devotion ensured the continued success of the family-run pizzeria, keeping Frank Pepe's vision alive for future generations.
1985 - 2004
The Next Generation
In the early 1990s, Elizabeth and Serafina Pepe retired and passed the pizza business on to their children Anthony, Francis, Lisa, Bernadette, Genevieve, Jennifer, and Gary. All family members worked, in some capacity, within the family business.
2005 - 2025
Beyond New Haven
In 2006, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana opened its first location outside of New Haven, less than 25 miles away in Fairfield, CT. Frank Pepe's grandchildren oversaw the construction of a replica of their grandfather’s original coal-fired brick oven to bring the same authentic apizza experience to new guests. The success of Fairfield paved the way for additional locations, including Yonkers, NY, Manchester, CT, and Mohegan Sun in the years that followed. By 2024, Frank Pepe’s has expanded to 8 locations across Connecticut.
Time until 100th anniversary
Our Locations

Proudly serving customers in 7 states.

From our original location on Wooster Street in New Haven, Connecticut, we’ve expanded to proudly serve communities across 7 states. Whether you’re in the Northeast or sunny South Florida, every Pepe’s location is a tribute to the rich legacy of our founder, Frank Pepe. Each pizzeria is equipped with a coal-fired brick oven, ensuring our iconic crispy, charred crust is consistent in every bite. We invite you to visit one of our locations and celebrate 100 years of passion, tradition, and unbeatable pizza!
NY
New York
1 Pepe's Locations
MD
Maryland
1 Pepe's Locations
VA
Virginia
1 Pepe's Locations
MA
Massachusets
3 Pepe's Locations
RI
Rhode Island
1 Pepe's Locations
CT
connecticut
Connecticut
8 Pepe's Locations
FL
Florida
2 Pepe's Locations
Time until 100th anniversary

Thank you to all our loyal guests

Pepe’s has been a ‘piece of home’ for me through 29 years in the Marine Corps. I even had my helicopter’s armor adorned with the Pepe's logo and named it "Old Reliable!" My first visit was with my grandfather, and now it’s the spot my family would head to as soon as I returned from a deployment. The pizza’s quality is consistent from New Haven to Virginia, and the staff—like Gary, Jennifer, and Sherline—make it feel like family. My go-to order? Bacon & Onion or a classic sausage pie!
Todd Oneto
I’ve been coming to Pepe’s for as long as I can remember—probably since I was 3 or 4 years old. Growing up in New Haven, my parents and even my grandfather would bring me here. My favorite is the sausage and onion pizza, but for special occasions, I go for the white clam with bacon. My dad, though, always wanted plain pizza, so as kids, we missed out on toppings! I love everything about Frank Pepe’s—the booths, the pizza—it’s all still the same, and that’s what makes it special.
Paul Giamatti
Pepe’s has been part of our life for 50 years, ever since neighbors first brought us here when we moved from New Jersey. It’s become a second family to us. We love the people—always welcoming us with open arms and open hearts. Our go-to orders are the fresh tomato pie in summer and a large mozzarella with half sausage. Pepe’s truly feels like home, and the pizza is always fantastic.
Les and Carol Grant
I’ve been coming to Pepe’s for 60 years. My brother-in-law first brought me here so many years ago, and even though he’s no longer with us, I keep coming back. My go-to is a small pie with mozzarella—the crust is just perfect. But it’s not just the pizza; it’s the people. There are so many memories here, and the folks who work at Pepe’s make it special. That’s what really matters.
Mark Birney
Believe it or not, even as a New Haven native, I only discovered Pepe’s about 10 years ago after moving to the Wooster Square neighborhood—I had no idea what I was missing! Now, Champ (my rescue dog) and I visit often, and the veggie special is my favorite—it’s so good! But honestly, what I love most is the staff. Champ and I always say, the only thing better than Pepe’s pizza is the people.
Linda Barone
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Pepe's Rewards
Celebrate 100 years of apizza with us! As a Pepe’s Rewards member, you’ll get exclusive access to special events, centennial promotions, and more during our 2025 celebration. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience—join today and be part of the legacy!
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Press inquiries

For all media and press inquiries regarding Frank Pepe Pizzeria’s centennial celebration, please contact our PR team at [email protected]. We’re excited to share more about our 100-year legacy and upcoming events!
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Time until 100th anniversary
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