A Connecticut pizza shop that has been operating for 90 years and has consistently ranked among the most popular and a favorite of those who love “abeetz” (it’s not Pepe’s) is closing its satellite location.
It’s due to changes in the brewery business that operates there.
“It is with bittersweet emotion that we announce that our satellite location at The Hops Company will be closing its doors to the public on January 1st,” Zuppardi’s posted on Facebook. “The beer garden will undergo a full-scale renovation and continue its operations primarily as an event space. Zuppardi’s will still offer catering options to THC clients, but our day-to-day service will no longer be available.”
Zuppardi’s remains at its original West Haven location, and at a “slice shop and take-out shop” in Ansonia, has a pizza truck for private events, and the truck has regular service at New England Brewing Company.
The West Haven pizza restaurant, which ships nationwide and is sold frozen in many grocery stores, often draws rave reviews from customers and online organizations that rate customer satisfaction with businesses.
When Yelp calculated the top 25 restaurants in the Nutmeg state based off of a number of factors, including total volume and ratings of reviews given by Yelp Elite Squad Members between August 2023 and August 2024, Zuppardi’s made the grade.
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The business also was featured this year on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” according to Cheryl Zuppardi Pearce and Lori Zuppardi, sisters and co-owners of Zuppardi’s.
Lori Zuppardi and Cheryl Zuppardi Pearce, sisters and co-owners of Zuppardi’s Apizza in West Haven, are photographed on the set of ABC’s “Good Morning America” in New York on Feb. 9. (Zuppardi’s Apizza Photo)
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Zuppardi’s owners noted that the time “at THC was truly remarkable. What began as a small operation, working out of our pizza truck, blossomed into a full kitchen and catering operation. That would not have been made possible without the support of a number of people.”
They also thank the community, “the Valley—Derby, in particular—which welcomed our West Haven roots openly. The community’s support inspired us to open our take-out location and slice shop right down the street in neighboring Ansonia,” they wrote, adding “We would also like to thank the entire team at The Hops Company for their partnership and support over the past 9 years. We wish you good health, happiness, and the best of luck with your future endeavors.”
Additionally, thanks were extended “to the entire Zuppardi’s staff— our extended Zuppardi’s family” for hard work, dedication, and commitment to “upholding and preserving our family’s legacy. We love you, and we appreciate you.”
“Finally, and most importantly, we would like to give our biggest thank you to our customers. From the Valley to West Haven, and beyond, we truly believe our customers are the best of any,” they wrote, noting, the “Zuppardi’s team moves full steam ahead towards new and expanding possibilities. Our mission remains the same: to serve our family’s apizza to as many customers across the globe as we can, with integrity, quality, and consistency.”
As is typical on Facebook, fans lamented the news the satellite location will close.
“Beyond disappointed. It was a great spot for sure and will be missed,” one person wrote.
Another suggested business open a Milford location and yet another that it would be great in the Sunshine State.
“Can’t wait to see what’s next for you all Zuppardi’s Apizza is the best pizza & family…come to Florida we’ll make a fortune,” the fan wrote.
One person was even further afield but has fond memories of Zuppardi’s.
“I have since moved to France, but order pizza every year when I come home,” they wrote.
Another customer was a little edgier.
“This was not a smart business decision by THC. That place was always packed when I drove by,” they wrote.
