New Haven’s famous Sally’s Apizza on Wooster Street will reopen Wednesday under its new owner, a Philadelphia-based investment consortium that hopes to turn the iconic eatery into a national brand.
“All people should be able to enjoy this truly unique and craveable pizza,” said Aaron Allen, spokesman for the new owner, Lineage Hospitality.
Previous owners Bobby and Ricky Consiglio closed the deal with Lineage in December, but did not make the name of the new owner public until Monday.
The brothers will remain on as managers to help the company preserve the family’s proprietary recipes, baking techniques and “high standards,” Allen said. He said Lineage also plans to keep the same staff.
The restaurant has been closed since late December for minor repairs.
“There was a lot of concern in the community that things would be changed but the intent is to keep it just as it is,” Allen said in a phone interview Tuesday.
The sale price for the 80-year-old business was not disclosed but the New Haven Register reported in December that the property at 237 Wooster St. and an adjoining parking lot sold for $667,000.
Bobby Consiglio, whose father Salvatore “Sally” Consiglio founded the restaurant in 1938, said Monday he was excited to work with a “passionate investor group like Lineage Hospitality” to expand the business.
“My family has spent a lifetime building Sally’s into a strong restaurant business, and we look forward to seeing our pizza being brought to many more people,” he said in a statement.
The push to open new Sally’s restaurants follows in the footsteps of rival Wooster Street pizza maker Pepe’s, which has opened several restaurants in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.
Allen said Sally’s initial expansion plans will likewise focus on the Northeast.
Sally’s will give away free pizza to the first 80 tables seated Wednesday in celebration of the restaurant’s 80th anniversary. Doors will open at 3 p.m.
Natalie Missakian can be reached at news@newhavenbiz.com
