Lombardi's Pizza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lombardi's |
|
|---|---|
Storefront in February 2013
|
|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1905 |
| Food type | Italian–American pizzeria |
| Street address | 32 Spring Street (corner of Mott Street) |
| City | New York City |
| County | New York |
| Postal/ZIP code | 10012 |
| Country | United States |
Lombardi's is a famous pizza restaurant in New York City. It is located on Spring Street in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan. Lombardi's opened its doors in 1905. Many people believe it was the very first pizzeria in the United States. It has even been recognized by the Pizza Hall of Fame. However, some newer research suggests other pizza places might have opened even earlier.
Contents
The Story of Lombardi's Pizza
How It All Began
For a long time, people thought an Italian immigrant named Gennaro Lombardi started the business. The story said he began in 1897 as a grocery store. He supposedly sold "tomato pies" to factory workers. These pies were wrapped in paper and tied with string. In 1905, Lombardi was believed to have received a special license. This license allowed him to open a pizzeria restaurant. Famous people like the singer Enrico Caruso were said to be his customers.
Who Really Started It?
In 2019, some questions were raised about this story. Researchers looked at Gennaro Lombardi's birth records and other papers. They found he came to America in November 1904. He was 17 years old at the time. This means he likely worked at the pizzeria as an employee in 1905. He probably was not the owner. New research now suggests that Filippo Milone might have been the person who first opened the pizzeria.
Closing and Reopening
The original Lombardi's restaurant closed in 1984. But it reopened 10 years later in 1994. It moved just one block away to 30 and 32 Spring Street. Gennaro Lombardi's grandson, Gennaro Lombardi III, and his friend John Brescio reopened it. Because of this break and move, Lombardi's lost its title. It was no longer the longest continuously operating pizzeria in America. That title went to Papa's Tomato Pies in Trenton, New Jersey. Papa's opened in 1912 and has been selling pizzas ever since.
Special Celebrations
In 2005, Lombardi's celebrated its 100th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, they offered entire pizzas for only 5 cents. This was the same price they charged back in 1905! They did this fun promotion again in 2015. That year, they celebrated their 110th anniversary.
See also
In Spanish: Lombardi's Pizza para niños
- List of restaurants in New York City
External links
- "Slice of the City: New York" Pizza magazine article
