Frank Pepe’s Opens New Location in Stamford
Nation's Pizza Capital Strong as Ever with Company’s New Connecticut Spot
STAMFORD — On Monday, June 17, Stamford welcomed New Haven pizza royalty Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana to the city’s diverse culinary scene. The iconic chain opened its 17th restaurant at Bull's Head Shopping Center at 64 High Ridge Road.
Pizza lovers gathered alongside city and state officials for the restaurant’s ribbon cutting and grand opening.
“It’s so exciting to welcome Pepe’s to our city,” Mayor Caroline Simmons told the Stamford Current at the event. “It’s a wonderful addition to our vibrant restaurant scene and of course, the pizza scene which everyone loves.”

“We’re grateful for the 50 jobs that are going to be here at this location and for all the work they did to make this beautiful restaurant and all the sidewalk improvements possible,” Simmons added. “I can’t wait to bring my kids here. It’s going to be a joy for families for many years to come.”
Simmons also spoke ahead of the ribbon cutting, further expressing the city's gratitude that Frank Pepe’s chose Stamford for its latest establishment. Pepe’s granddaughters, Bernadette Bimonte-Hackett and Lisa Cusano, were also present at the event.
“We are grateful for the warm welcome and support from the city of Stamford. It's wonderful to see,” Cusano said while addressing the crowd. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to our incredible teammates, partners, suppliers, and all of those who have contributed to this journey. As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2025, we could not be more proud to carry on Grandpa’s legacy with all the pizza lovers in this amazing city.”

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont also took to the podium, expressing his enthusiasm for the pizza chain. “We're taking Pepe’s all over the state and hopefully all over the country. It’s the best in the world, and I'm really proud you're making Stamford one more home,” Lamont said.
Last to speak was Robert Busillo, the general manager of Frank Pepe's in Stamford. A seemingly lifelong Frank Pepe’s fan, he reminisced about his first visit to the original Pepe's in New Haven when he was just eight years old. A Fairfield native, he noted that he also attended the ribbon cutting for his hometown location in 2006. Officially giving the go-ahead, he told the crowd, “[t]he oven is hot, the fire is lit, and we're ready to get started."
Customers were clamoring for their first bite of Stamford Pepe’s as the doors officially opened at 11 am. “It’s my favorite pizza. It’s the best pizza,” customer Darryl Taylor told the Current as he waited for an order at the take out counter.
Meanwhile, other hungry diners promptly made their way to the seating area for table service.
Known for its coal-fired crispy thin-crust pizza, the original Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana opened its doors in New Haven on the legendary Wooster Street in 1925. The Stamford location is the eighth to open in the state. Frank Pepe’s also has locations in Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
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