Iconic New Haven Pizzeria Sally’s Apizza Sold to New Owners

After years of murmurs, the famous New Haven pizzeria Sally’s Apizza is now under new ownership, according to the Hartford Courant. An attorney representing Sally’s former owners, the Consiglio family, told the Courant that Robert, Richard, and Ruth Consiglio “will maintain a management presence in the restaurant for the next couple of months” and that they are “there now, continuing operations without interruption.” The names of the new owners remain unknown, and are not expected to be made public until January.

Open since the late 1930s, Sally’s “apizza” pies are quintessential examples of New Haven-style pizza: “a hotter, crispier, and dirtier descendant of Neapolitan style pie,” as Connecticut food writer Amy Kundrat wrote in Eater’s guide to the regional pizza style. Not only is it one of the best pizzerias in New Haven, it’s long been recognized as one of the best pizzerias nationwide, and it’s earned a place on Eater’s 38 Best Restaurants list.

Per the Consiglios’ attorney, the new ownership at Sally’s wants to bring the brand nationwide, “with the understanding that Wooster Street in New Haven will always be the flagship of the fleet.” While it’s not surprising that new owners would want to capitalize on the Sally’s brand — and follow in the footsteps of rival New Haven pizzeria Frank Pepe’s, which also has serious expansion plans in the works — it’s hard not to be sad about this chapter of pizza history coming to an end. Sally’s is an exceptional, and exceptionally American, dining institution with a rich history and outrageously great food. Hopefully the new owners treat it right.

• Sally's Apizza Sold In New Haven [HC]