Iconic Pizzeria Closing In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford’s iconic pizzeria Salerno’s is closing after more than 75 years in business, the owners announced Tuesday.

Salerno’s, described by the owners as an old-fashioned “mom-and-pop” neighborhood pizzeria, was known for its plum tomato pie, specialty grinders, and other baked Italian specialties since 1947.

Carlo Salerno, whose family owns Salerno’s in Stratford, made the announcement in a post on Facebook on Tuesday night. Salerno said he had planned to close Salerno’s by his 80th birthday in July.

“I felt 80 is a good age for me to retire,” the post on Facebook reads. “We have owned and operated Salerno’s for over 75 years and at this time, it’s become increasingly difficult for me to keep our doors open. Let’s face it, the COVID years…. the shortage of qualified workers…. and the current recession has devastated the restaurant business in Connecticut….

“Look around…. Sadly, Salerno’s is no exception.

“To our customers:

“WOW!!

“What can we say?

“We are truly grateful for the support and loyalty you and your families have shown our pizzeria over the past 75 years.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

“Your kind words and continued patronage have meant the world to us, and we will cherish the memories we have made together since 1947. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and for making our dreams…. a beautiful reality!

“We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you, and we will always hold a special place in our hearts for the Bridgeport / Stratford area that have supported us throughout these many, many years.

“With gratitude and fond memories

“Carlo and Andrew Salerno”

The pizzeria’s fans were saddened by the news.

One person wrote under the Facebook post, “No!!! Best meatball grinders in CT. I grew up in Stratford and often drive from West Haven to get food from Salerno’s. You will be greatly missed.

“I know it would be almost sacrilegious to ask to share some recipe secrets…but what will we do without our lifelong favorites?!?!?

“Carlo, thank you and your family for being there all these years!!”

Another person wrote, “I am so sorry to hear this! I lived in stratford for 40 years. Salerno's was my favorite pizza place. I moved to NC 13 years ago. And every time we come back to visit... Salerno's is the First place we go. I can honestly say..The BEST pizza I've ever had!!!!”

Among the more than 160 comments, as of 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, several fans mentioned driving long distances to go to Salerno’s.

One person wrote, “I found out about your restaurant about 10 years ago and except for 2 of the Covid years, I made the hour trip to Stratford for your Plum Tomato Pie, which is outstanding! I’ll certainly miss the delicious food and I want to thank you for the kindness one year toward my mother who was in her late 90’s then and was heading back to Florida before the Plum Tomato Pie season. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement. These past few years I’m sure were the hardest.”

Salerno’s officially closed its doors on Monday, the landlord confirmed to News12 Connecticut.