Westport Celebrates Mioli Family And Westport Pizzeria

WESTPORT, CT — After more than 51 years, Westport Pizzeria is closing and Carmelo "Mel" Mioli, its owner, is retiring, but not before Westport and state officials honored the Mioli family and the business with a celebration at the Post Road East restaurant on Friday.

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe and state Sen. Tony Hwang read local and state proclamations, and Hwang even bought a bunch of pizzas to give out free slices to customers.

"When we moved here from Italy, we found that we really liked the people and this town," Mioli said. "We've been fortunate to have made a lot of friends."

His wife, Carrie, reiterated those sentiments. "Westport has given back to us twice what we tried to give to the town."

An example of the Mioli's kindness and support was described by Westport Probate Judge Lisa Wexler, who said that her family moved to Westport in part because the Mioli's gave her then 16-year-old son, Jonathan, a job at the restaurant.

"Jonathan worked at Westport Pizzeria through high school and college, and we will always be grateful to the Mioli's for their generosity," she said.

Added Hwang, "We pulled this celebration together because we wanted to acknowledge what a wonderful business this was, one that made a difference in the lives of countless people."

Though the restaurant is closing soon, rest assured, you still have a week to pop in for a pie or other Italian cuisine, because its last day will be Jan. 11.

Below is the proclamation honoring the Mioli family, read by Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe:

Since 1968, Westport Pizzeria and the Mioli family have been an integral part of the fabric of the Westport Community. As you enter this new chapter in your life, please know that we will always be grateful for the small-town feel and commitment to sponsoring and supporting local causes that Westport Pizzeria provided. From Sicily to Westport, with traditional values, a quality product, welcoming service, and a work ethic with few rivals, the “Mioli Touch” embodied hard work and optimism, turning satisfied customers into great friends.

All of Westport sends you respect and appreciation for the amazing food, companionship and civic
contributions provided for over 50 years.

On behalf of the Town of Westport, I wish you good health, good luck and great success in your retirement.