Pepe's Pizza, Shake Shack To Open Locations In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The food scene in Stamford is about to be turned up a notch.

According to Hey Stamford!, the popular food and lifestyle blog, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Shake Shack will open locations in the Bull's Head section of Stamford right next to each other.

Hey Stamford! said demolition of a former bank has already begun to make way for the businesses at 64 High Ridge Road.

Pepe's confirmed the news to Patch, and said the pizzeria should open in fall of this year. Patch has reached out to Shake Shack for more information. No formal announcements have been made yet.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana was founded in 1925 by Frank Pepe, who immigrated to the United States in 1909 at age 16. In 1937, Pepe opened up a pizzeria at 157 Wooster St. in New Haven. Pepe originated the New Haven-style thin crust pizza that's both crispy and chewy thanks to coal-fired ovens.

Over the years, Pepe's has expanded outside of New Haven. There are now locations in Fairfield, Danbury, Manchester, West Hartford and Mohegan Sun. There are also locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Maryland.

In the most recent The Daily Meal's 101 Best Pizzas in America list, Pepe's was determined to have the No. 1 pizza in America.

"Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is a household name for pizza buffs everywhere," The Daily Meal wrote. "The New Haven-based pizzeria is famous for its signature coal-fired White Clam Pizza featuring fresh clams, grated pecorino romano, garlic, oregano and olive oil. Not only is Frank Pepe's the top pizza destination in the country, but it's also one of the greatest old-school restaurants of all time."

The news of Pepe's expansion comes several months after another New Haven-original, Sally's Apizza, opened in Stamford.

Shake Shack, the chain restaurant known for its hamburgers, crinkle-cut fries and shakes, will open its sixth Connecticut location. There is also a Shake Shack in nearby Darien.

Read more from Hey Stamford!