Iconic Doylestown Pizzeria Celebrates 50 Years In Business

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Nat’s Pizza on West State Street celebrated 50 years in business on April 2, doing what they do best - making pizza.

But in between pies and the busy rush of orders, there was also time to accept a few accolades, which came in the form of a town crier announcing the major milestone to the public, and proclamations from Doylestown Borough Mayor Noni West, State Rep. Tim Brennan, Governor Josh Shapiro, and State Sen. Steve Santarsiero.

"I personally grew up as a server. I waited tables for about 20 years, so I know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy throughout the state. So it is such a pleasure to be here to honor one of our small businesses that truly does it well," said Rep. Brennan.

Accepting the accolades was Timothy Wylie, who took ownership of the shop in 2014. Wylie was there five decades earlier when 21-year-old Natale "Nat" Stabile opened the pizzeria in 1976.

Timothy Wylie, the owner of Nat's Pizza. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

State Rep. Tim Brennan congratulates owner Tim Wylie on the 50th anniversary of the business. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Doylestown Mayor Noni West presents Tim Wylie with a copy of the borough's proclamation.

A Doylestown Borough Town Crier celebrates the 50th anniversary of Nat's Pizza by reading the borough's proclamation.

"We are very lucky to serve Doylestown. Doylestown is a very special place, and it always will be. We're going to be here a long, long time," said Wylie, who just signed a 20-year lease with the landlord.

Inside the pizzeria, not much has changed from the original pizzeria that Nat opened 50 years ago. It's still the same square footage and the same number of booths.

Several newer additions include a "summer vacation countdown clock" for the shop's hardworking high school employees.

Several photos have also been added to the wall of its more famous customers, including Pink, who ate at Nat's before she became famous and who still stops by when she's in the area. There's also a photo of former Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick, who now provides color commentary for the Birds.

“Nat would be so proud to see that his place is still here," said Wylie. "Everything is still the same - recipe-wise. Nothing has changed. We still use the same recipes. Everything is exactly the same. The same product. He may not be with us anymore, but he’s always with us every day.”

A year after Nat’s Pizza opened, Wylie took a job at the pizzeria, folding boxes. He eventually became store manager and then owner in 2014.

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

In a proclamation from the mayor delivered by a town crier from the Doylestown Historical Society, a gathering of officials, employees, and customers heard a brief history of the business and about "Nat's enterprising spirit and dedication to quality that helped shape the local dining landscape."

Born in Sicily in 1954, Nat had a deep-rooted tradition of Italian cooking. He opened his first pizza shop in Brooklyn at the age of 16 before bringing his passion and craft to Doylestown, said Wylie.

For five decades, Nat's Pizza has been steadfast in its commitment to excellence, using family recipes passed down from Nat's mother, using fresh, natural ingredients, handmade dough, and hearth-baked pizzas synonymous with quality and authenticity, Wylie said.

“Nat's is more than a restaurant — it is a gathering place where friendships form, traditions are born, memories are made, and is a backdrop for countless Friday nights, post-game celebrations, birthday parties, and family meals,” the town crier announced.

“Locals fondly recall walking along North Clinton Street to pick up a Friday night pizza, declaring ‘It's Nat's or Nuttin' at all!' — a testament to the deep connection between Nat's and the community it serves," the town crier continued.

Added the town crier, "Through its longevity, consistency, and commitment to community, Nat's Pizza has woven into the fabric of Doylestown, representing the strength, resilience, and character of our local small businesses."