What To Know About The New Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — One of the gems of the Connecticut pizza scene is readying to open its doors in Stamford.

Ahead of the grand opening of Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 17, at 64 High Ridge Road, there will be a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

"My family and I are thrilled to bring Pepe’s Pizza to Stamford, especially for our loyal fans in Fairfield County who have traveled to our Fairfield and New Haven locations for years," said Jennifer Bimonte-Kelly in a news release. Belmonte-Kelly, along with other family members, staff and city officials, will visit the store on opening day. "We’re excited to bring our renowned oven, along with the same high-quality ingredients and processes, to our dedicated customers in this area."

Located in Bull’s Head Shopping Center at 64 High Ridge Road, the new restaurant marks the brand’s 17th location.

The restaurant will uphold the traditions Pepe’s fans have come to know and love, including sourcing the highest quality ingredients, crafting that signature char and providing exceptional customer service

The Stamford eatery will feature the iconic look and feel of Pepe’s original Wooster Street location—evoking the same comfort, familiarity and tradition. As a special treat for Stamford guests, the restaurant will serve the legendary fresh tomato pie weeks before the official launch, providing a sneak peek into the beloved summer special.

At 102 seats, the restaurant is visually dominated by the view of its 14-by-14-foot, 104,000-pound coal-fired oven, a customized replica from its famed locale, and the significant "paddle area," where expert pizzaiolos create made-to-order masterpieces on an oak wood table and use 16-foot-long paddles to place them in the 600-degree oven.

"Our seasoned managers will bring with them the expertise that makes Pepe’s so special," said longtime manager Robert Busillo in a news release. "Alongside them, our dedicated pizza cooks and training team will ensure that every pie meets our high standards and delivers the authentic Pepe’s experience."

Busillo, along with Leo Martinez and Carol Humbert, have been part of the Frank Pepe family for a combined 40-plus years. To maintain a high standard of excellence, veteran employee Victor Suarez, team members from the Fairfield and Yonkers locations, and dedicated cooks will join the Stamford team.

Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

In addition to dining in as well as outdoor patio space, patrons can carry out by calling 475-977-7373. The restaurant will also offer online ordering and catering services in the near future.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana was founded in 1925 by Frank Pepe, who immigrated to the United States in 1909 at age 16. In 1937, Pepe opened up a pizzeria at 157 Wooster St. in New Haven. Pepe originated the New Haven-style thin crust pizza that's both crispy and chewy thanks to special coal-fired ovens.

Over the years, Pepe's has expanded outside of New Haven. There are now locations in Danbury,Fairfield, Manchester, Mohegan Sun, Waterbury and West Hartford. There are also locations in Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia.

The pizzeria will be located next to Shake Shack and Starbucks, which opened in recent weeks inside the new Bull's Head development.