Sally’s Apizza of New Haven CT Being Sold

When discussion turns to the greatest American pizzerias, New Haven, Connecticut, without fail, is part of the mix. In particular, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is often cited (including by us) as the source for the country’s finest pizza. Frank Pepe founded the pizzeria in 1925. In 1938, with Frank’s blessing, his nephew Salvatore Consiglio opened Sally’s Apizza a few doors down Wooster Street. There are many folks who, today, claim that Sally’s pies are superior to Pepe’s. We can’t say as we’ve never been to Sally’s, not out of some wacky sense of loyalty to Pepe’s but because we love Pepe’s so much that we could never bring ourselves to miss a rare opportunity to enjoy a Pepe’s white clam pie while passing through New Haven.

A white potato pie, with onions and rosemary (unavailable at Pepe’s down the street)

Anyway, back to the story at hand: Flo Consiglio, Sally’s wife, died in 2012 (Sally passed away in 1989). Flo and Sally’s three children chose to sell Sally’s after the death of their mother. There were six bidders, which, in a second round of bidding, was whittled down to two bidders (one of which was Pepe’s!). A group formed for the purpose of buying Sally’s, Al Dente LLC, won the bidding with an offer of over $3.1 million. After further negotiations, Al Dente forwarded a signed contract but, before the Consiglios signed the contract, they apparently backed out of the deal.

The late Sal Consiglio

Now some members of Al Dente are suing the Consiglios, and the Consiglios are suing in return. In the meantime, the Consiglios claim to have other offers, i.e., they haven’t changed their mind about selling Sally’s, they just chose to back out of this sale. One thing you can be sure of: when it comes to the great American pizza dynasties, there is always drama, conflict, and lawyers. See this story in the New Haven Register for all the complicated details of the attempted purchase and subsequent lawsuits.

From a different perspective, though, what is to become of Sally’s Apizza and their legendary pies? It’s been in the family since it opened 77 years ago. After it is sold, will the greatness remain? We’re feeling some urgency to get ourselves to New Haven before the chips fall.