Centennial event draws crowds in New Haven for a day of charred apizza, music and memories

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (June 22, 2025) — Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, the legendary New Haven-based pizzeria, celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 21, with a day of heartfelt community events, cherished traditions and tributes to its enduring legacy of coal-fired apizza.

The milestone celebration took place in New Haven’s historic Wooster Square, where Frank and Filomena Pepe first opened the doors to Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in 1925 to create New-Haven style pizza. The day began with an exclusive VIP hour honoring key supporters of the brand, followed by the “Pepe’s Gives Back” community celebration.

Photo courtesy of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

Guests enjoyed complimentary charred-crust pizza, along with classic Italian treats from Foxon Park Soda, Libby’s Italian Pastry Shop and Gelato Giuliana. A festive Frank Pepe’s prize wheel gave attendees the chance to win special 100th anniversary memorabilia, including limited-edition Coca-Cola bottles, pizza peels, ornaments, mugs and T-shirts.

The pizzeria partnered with Connecticut Foodshare, donating 100% of guest contributions to support hunger relief efforts throughout the state. These contributions resulted in nearly $700 and almost 10 bags of nonperishables in donations, which allowed the organization to provide approximately 1,380 meals to underserved communities.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Frank Pepe’s for using its 100-year celebration to give back to the community in such a meaningful way,” said Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare. “Their partnership has helped us serve more neighbors facing food insecurity, and we’re honored to celebrate this milestone with them.”

Entertainment was provided by Mike Lapatino of WPLR 99.1 and social media personality and food critic Daym Drops who both set the tone for a lively and joyful afternoon.

The celebration continued into the evening with a private rooftop reception at Gioia CAFÉ & Bar, followed by a tented gathering in the SPOT parking lot. The evening event, catered by Small Kitchen–Big Taste, featured live music by Tony Riccio and Friends, heartfelt tributes and a special commemorative program hosted by Chaz and AJ of WPLR.

The evening featured a powerful short film honoring the life and legacy of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, tracing the remarkable journey of Frank and Filomena Pepe from their hometown of Maiori, Italy, to New Haven, Connecticut.

To the crowd’s delight, New Haven native and Academy Award-winning actor Paul Giamatti—who has been a devoted fan of Frank Pepe’s since the age of four—took the stage to share his personal connection to the iconic pizzeria, fondly recalling childhood visits with his mother and father. He then introduced the film, which he also narrated, celebrating the Pepes’ inspiring immigrant story and their enduring influence on American pizza culture. The screening concluded with a heartfelt plaque presentation to the current co-owners and grandchildren of Frank and Filomena Pepe.

Photo courtesy of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

Another emotional highlight of the evening was a moving tribute video honoring the late Gary Bimonte, beloved head pizza maker and co-owner, who passed away in 2021. As the youngest grandson of Frank and Filomena, Gary played a pivotal role in preserving the family legacy. Following the tribute, his sisters Bernadette Bimonte-Hackett, Jennifer Bimonte-Kelly and Genevieve Bimonte shared touching memories of their brother and announced an exciting new partnership with CT State Community College: the inaugural Gary Bimonte Internship Program, which officially launched on June 1. The program pays tribute to Gary’s deep commitment to the community and his passion for mentoring the next generation of pizza-makers and hospitality leaders.

Since opening in 1925, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has grown from a bakery selling tomato pies on Wooster Street to a nationally recognized pizzeria with 17 locations across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Maryland and South Florida. The pizzeria has earned nine No. 1 rankings on The Daily Meal’s “Best Pizzas in America” list and is credited with creating the distinct New Haven-style pizza. The 100-year celebration is part of a broader series of anniversary initiatives, including limited-time promotions and two sweepstakes events.

For more information, visit https://pepespizzeria.com/ and follow @frankpepepizza on Instagram and Twitter, or @frankpepepizzeria on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube

About Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is an iconic New Haven pizzeria that has been serving authentic New Haven-style pizzas since 1925. With 17 locations, Frank Pepe is dedicated to using only the freshest ingredients, combined with its coal-fired ovens for the finest baking, to deliver pizzas that are consistently delicious and of the highest quality. In addition to its world-famous coal-fired pizzas, Frank Pepe also offers a variety of salads, desserts and Italian wines. Follow the brand on Instagram and Twitter at @frankpepepizza and on TikTok, YouTube and Facebook @frankpepepizzeria or visit https://pepespizzeria.com/ to learn more.