Lombardi's Pizza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lombardi's |
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Storefront in February 2013
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| 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 pizzeria in New York City. It is located at 32 Spring Street in the Nolita area of Manhattan. This restaurant opened in 1905. Many people believe it was the very first pizzeria in the United States. The Pizza Hall of Fame has even recognized it for this special achievement.
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The Story of Lombardi's Pizza
It is thought that an Italian immigrant named Gennaro Lombardi started this business. He began in 1897 as a grocery store. It was located at 53½ Spring Street. He started selling "tomato pies" to factory workers. These pies were wrapped in paper and tied with string.
In 1905, Lombardi got a special permit. This allowed him to open a proper pizzeria restaurant. Soon, famous people like the singer Enrico Caruso visited his restaurant. Gennaro Lombardi later passed the business to his son, George.
Changes and Challenges
The original Lombardi's 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 III, the grandson of the founder, ran it. He worked with his childhood friend, John Brescio.
Because of this break and move, Lombardi's lost its title. It was no longer the oldest continuously open pizzeria. That title went to Papa's Tomato Pies. This pizzeria in Trenton, New Jersey, opened in 1912. It has sold pizzas without stopping ever since.
The new location at 32 Spring Street was chosen for a good reason. It had a special coal-fired oven. This type of oven cooks pizzas in a unique way. During the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020s, Lombardi's faced difficulties. They ended their lease at 32 Spring Street. The building owner then removed the coal oven.
Celebrating Anniversaries
In 2005, Lombardi's celebrated its 100th birthday. They sold whole pizzas for only 5 cents! This was the price of a pizza back in 1905. They did this fun promotion again in 2015. That year marked their 110th anniversary.
Who Really Started It?
In 2019, some questions came up about the founder. New research looked at Gennaro Lombardi's records. It showed he came to America in November 1904. He was 17 years old and worked as a "laborer." If he was involved in 1905, he might have been an employee. He might not have been the owner right away. Some research now suggests Filippo Milone might have opened the pizzeria.
Even with this discussion, Lombardi's is still very important. Its start is connected to the huge pizza industry we have today. This industry is worth billions of dollars!
See also
In Spanish: Lombardi's Pizza para niños
- List of Italian restaurants
- List of restaurants in New York City
