Shuttered Iconic Stratford Pizzeria Updates On Future

STRATFORD, CT — For more than two years after its closing, there had been hope that Salerno’s Apizza, Stratford’s beloved neighborhood pizzeria, would reopen in a new location.

Owner Carlo Salerno previously announced plans to reopen in a new location in Shelton. The family also said as recently as June that they were still "100% committed" to bringing Salerno's Apizza back.

However, the Salerno family posted a “difficult” message on Facebook this week announcing that Salerno’s Apizza will not be reopening.

“For the past two years, we’ve shared hopeful updates about reopening Salerno’s,” the post reads. “We truly believed it was going to happen. We had serious interest and plans in motion, but those efforts have now fallen through.

“And now, we need to say something that isn’t easy:

“Salerno’s Apizza will not be reopening.

“We know so many of you have been waiting… checking in… rooting for us.

“Please believe us when we say —

“we wanted it just as much as you did.

“We pursued every path we could.

“Salerno’s was never just a pizza place.

“It was where families gathered.

“Where first dates turned into marriages.

“Where kids in high chairs grew up — and came back with families of their own.

“We watched generations walk through those doors.

“That has meant more to us than words can ever say.

“While the ovens are no longer burning,

“the memories are very much alive.”

Salerno's Apizza customers were saddened by the Stratford restaurant's abrupt closing in July 2023 after the owner said he planned to close it down by his 80th birthday.

The Salerno family owned and operated the pizzeria for 76 years.

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

The pizzeria briefly reopened for one day in July 2023 and gave away free pizzas in celebration of Salerno's retirement.

The Salerno family also announced on Tuesday “a new chapter” with a new Facebook page, titled “Salerno’s Apizza Legacy.”

The page will serve as a “legacy space for Salerno’s Apizza — 76 years of memories, community, and family tradition in the Stratford / Bridgeport area.”

“From 1947 to 2023, Salerno’s was more than a pizzeria,” Carl Salerno wrote in a post on the Facebook page. “It was a gathering place. First dates. Team dinners. Friday nights. Birthday celebrations. Generations growing up and coming back with families of their own.

“While the ovens are no longer burning, the story doesn’t end there.

“This page is dedicated to preserving the memories — the photos, the stories, the laughter, and the moments that made Salerno’s special.

“If Salerno’s was ever part of your life, I invite you to share your memories here. Post a photo. Tell a story. Tag someone you shared a booth with.

“On behalf of my family, thank you for 76 unforgettable years.”

Visit the Salerno’s Apizza Legacy page on Facebook here.