Recently, members of the New Haven legislature proposed a bill to declare pizza as Connecticut’s official state food. The question is, what took so long? Connecticut not only knows how to make an incredible pizza, but the oldest running pizzeria in the country, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, has its roots here and is still going strong.

A shining example of success through hard work and perseverance, Frank Pepe immigrated to America in 1909 at the age of 16 years old. In the early 1920s, he opened a delivery bakery and decided it was a better idea to put that aside and begin a business that would attract customers straight to his door.
Pepe's Pizza/Facebook
In 1925, Frank and his wife Filomena began baking up Neapolitan pizza with a small group of family to help run the little restaurant. In 1937, Frank Pepe bought the building next door and the pizza magic continued.
Pepe's Pizza/Facebook
Today, many recognize this building as the main location of Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana. Generations of native Nutmegers have fond family memories or stories that begin with a visit to this delicious pizzeria. The pizzeria has since expanded to include 12 locations throughout New England.
Pepe's Pizza/Facebook

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The classic taste of the Original Tomato Pie (with or without anchovy) made with tomatoes, grated cheese, garlic, oregano, and mozzarella is still considered one Frank Pepe's most popular pizzas.
Pepe's Pizza/Facebook
There are two not-so-secret reasons why Frank Pepe's pizza is so loved after all these years. The first reason is because of the tasty ingredients that go into making their sauces and dough. It's all about the basics. You can even bring the taste into your own kitchen by buying Frank Pepe's famous tomato sauce.
Pepe's Pizza/Facebook
The other reason is because the pizzas are baked in a coal oven. The slow cooking is what gives each pie that perfect combination texture of both crispy and chewy which has made Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana well loved for nearly 100 years.
Pepe's Pizza/Facebook

What memories do you have of Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria? Post your memories and give them another visit to enjoy some delicious coal-baked pizza.

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