What's Happening?
Totonno's, a historic pizzeria in Brooklyn, New York, is seeking new ownership after over a century of family operation. The current owners, Antoinette Balzano and her sister Louise 'Cookie' Ciminieri,
have decided to sell the business due to the absence of younger family members to take over. The pizzeria, established in 1924 by their grandfather Anthony 'Totonno' Pero, is renowned for being one of the first to introduce pizza to the United States. Despite its rich history and popularity, including visits from notable figures like Michael Bloomberg and Cyndi Lauper, the family has no choice but to sell as they are unable to manage the business due to age and health concerns. The decision to sell was made after Ciminieri's son, who was expected to inherit the business, became unable to do so due to health issues.
Why It's Important?
The sale of Totonno's marks a significant moment in the culinary and cultural history of New York City. As one of the oldest family-owned pizzerias in the country, its transition to new ownership could impact its traditional operations and the preservation of its historical significance. The pizzeria's legacy is tied to the broader narrative of Italian-American immigration and the popularization of pizza in the U.S. The new owners will have the opportunity to continue this legacy, potentially influencing the local economy and tourism in Brooklyn. The sale also highlights the challenges faced by family-owned businesses in maintaining operations across generations, especially when younger family members are unavailable to continue the legacy.
What's Next?
The current owners have received over 200 inquiries from potential buyers, with at least one promising lead. The new owner will need to appreciate the historical and cultural value of Totonno's, maintaining its legacy while possibly modernizing operations. The transition could involve changes in business strategy, such as expanding beyond the current delivery and pickup-only model. The community and loyal customers will be watching closely to see how the new ownership will handle the pizzeria's rich heritage and whether it will remain a staple of the local culinary scene.
