Here at Frank Pepe’s, we’re passionate about creating a warm, familiar, and family-friendly atmosphere with each new location that we open. We wanted to create a blog featuring how we keep the spirit of Frank Pepe’s alive at each location as we have expanded to more than 10 locations!
Making fresh, high-quality pizzas
To keep the unique combination of crunch, chew, and char, characteristics only produced using Frank Pepe’s original 1925 recipe and the coal-fired, hand-built brick oven he used, each location’s oven is built on site before it opens. The oven is a brick-by-brick duplicate of New Haven’s, including iron castings from the original mold!
The look and feel of the original
Each new Frank Pepe’s restaurant is thoughtfully inspired by the look and feel of the New Haven location that evokes the comfort, familiarity, and tradition of the original. Each seat at the restaurant is visually dominated by the view of a 14 by 14 foot (!) brick oven and the even larger “paddle area,” where expert pizzaiolos create made-to-order masterpieces on a clean countertop and use 16 foot-long paddles to place them in the giant 104,000-pound oven. Framed by an arch of traditional white ceramic tile, the “paddle area” also boasts a white antique-style tin ceiling and custom-made art deco-style pendant lighting that complete the iconic look and feel of the center stage prep area.
It’s All in the Design
Bringing the Pepe experience full circle is also an array of signature design elements that have been incorporated into the main dining areas: an antique-style tin ceiling painted in a historic green hue, painted wooden booths featuring a wainscoting backing with vintage coat rack hooks, historic photos of Pepe’s 90 years in business, and vintage wallpaper featuring subtle neutral brown and light gray tones, which first appeared on the walls of the New Haven location. Traditional Pepe’s elements incorporated into the spaces include a neon sign that spells out “The Original Tomato Pies” and the classic Frank Pepe’s “bakers sign.” Adding a modern yet ageless touch to the spaces are ceramic floor tiles featuring a cherry finish.
Local favorites
When Frank Pepe started his pizzeria in 1925, it was Foxon Park soda he offered and continues to serve guests today. Frank Pepe’s favorites include Foxon Park’s Kola, White Birch Beer, Root Beer, Cream Soda, Orange Soda, Ginger Ale and Gassosa (Classic Italian Lemon).
Visit your Local Frank Pepe’s Today!
Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana currently has 10 locations open throughout Connecticut, Massachusets, Rhode Island, and New York. Visit our location page to see the location nearest you! Also, follow Frank Pepes on our Instagram and Facebook to receive updates on our new location opening in Burlington, MA this summer. Lastly, if you are a loyal Frank Pepe’s customer, be sure to sign up for our rewards program that includes a free pizza on your birthday!
