Craving a slice of history? Right here at 32 Spring Street stands Lombardi’s Pizza. It is more than just a pizzeria. Lombardi’s is an American landmark. Recognized by the Pizza Hall of Fame, Lombardi’s opened in 1905. It is considered the first pizzeria in the United States.
Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi is believed to have started the business. In 1897, he opened a grocery store at 53 ½ Spring Street. Lombardi sold tomato pies wrapped in paper. These pies had cheese first and then tomato sauce. He tied them with string. These were lunchtime meals for factory workers.
But, there is a twist. Research suggests Filippo Milone actually opened the pizzeria. Gennaro Lombardi may have been an employee. Milone’s story faded due to inaccurate records.
Lombardi’s closed in 1984. It reopened ten years later a block away. Gennaro Lombardi III and John Brescio reopened it. The new location meant Lombardi’s lost its title. Papa’s Tomato Pies in Trenton became the longest continually operating pizzeria.
The move to 32 Spring Street was strategic. The space had a coal-fired oven. These ovens are key to Lombardi’s unique flavor. However, Lombardi’s suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lease at 32 Spring Street ended. The building owner destroyed the coal oven.
John Brescio, the current owner, has quite the reputation. Law enforcement named him a captain in the Genovese crime family in 2017. In 2005 and 2015, Lombardi’s celebrated anniversaries. They offered entire pizzas for 5 cents. This was their 1905 price.
Lombardi’s tried to replicate the famous pizzas of Naples. He adapted to New York conditions and ingredients. He used a brick, coal-powered oven instead of a wood-fired oven. He also swapped buffalo mozzarella for fior di latte.
Some Lombardi’s employees went on to open famous pizzerias. These include Totonno’s in Coney Island and John’s Pizzeria in the West Village. Today, Lombardi’s is a pilgrimage site for pizza lovers. John Brescio says people visit Lombardi’s like they visit the Statue of Liberty. Lombardi’s continues to inspire young pizza masters. They set an example for new generations.