Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (widely known as "Pepe's Pizza”), an iconic Connecticut-based eatery, will open its second DMV location Monday, July 18 in the Alexandria Commons Shopping Center, 3231 Duke St.
Photo courtesy of Pepe's Pizza
Pepe's Pizza will open Monday, July 18 in Alexandria.
The new pizzeria will take the place of a former Baja Fresh at the West End location.
The 97-year-old legacy brand has consistently ranked as "America’s best pizza" by The Daily Meal and other national media. New Haven-style pizza is distinct in its thin, oblong crust, characteristic charring, chewy texture, and limited use of melting cheeses.
Jennifer Bimonte-Kelly, granddaughter of the late Frank Pepe, will be on hand at a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Monday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the restaurant.
The Alexandria location will uphold the traditions that have aided in the brand's success for nearly a century, including sourcing the highest quality ingredients from start to finish, the restaurant owners noted.
“We remain consistent because we never deviate from our family’s original recipes cooked in our signature coal-fired, hand-built brick oven that includes iron castings from the New Haven restaurant,” said Kelly.
Photo courtesy of Pepe's Pizza
Pizza from Pepe's Pizza, opening Monday, July 18 in Alexandria.
“Keeping tradition in mind helps us create a warm experience for our guests, who we consider an extension of the Pepe's family.”
Founded in New Haven by Frank Pepe in 1925, who immigrated to the United States in 1909 at the age of 16, Pepe’s Pizza is the originator of New Haven-style pizza, which is characterized by its signature crispy yet chewy, slightly charred crust.
Inspired by the look and feel of the original New Haven location, Pepe’s Pizza of Alexandria will evoke the original's comfort, familiarity and tradition. The 3,600-square-foot, 100-seat restaurant is visually dominated by the view of its 14 x 14-foot, 104,000-pound oven and the even more significant "paddle area," where expert pizzaiolos create made-to-order masterpieces on an oak wood table and use 16-foot-long paddles to place them in the oven.
Pepe’s first DMV location opened in March at Bethesda’s Montgomery Mall.
In business for nearly a century, the family-owned and operated pizza eatery has established itself as an American classic, amassing a legion of fans around the world along with a growing list of accolades and recognitions from top-tier organizations and national critics. The brand has earned the number one spot on The Daily Meal's list of Best Pizzas in America nine times.
Pepe's Specialty Pizzas include:
- The original White Clam Pizza, a combination crafted by Frank Pepe himself (fresh clams with Pecorino Romano, proprietary oil blend, fresh garlic, and oregano).
- Spinach Mushroom and Gorgonzola (mozzarella and Pecorino Romano)
- The Amanti Della Carne (Crushed Italian tomatoes, Mozzarella, Meatball, Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon, & Pecorino Romano).
In addition, guests can enjoy a traditional "Pepe's Salad" (seasonal greens, grape tomatoes, cucumber, shredded red cabbage, Kalamata olives, Pecorino Romano, and balsamic vinaigrette) or Caesar Salad, along with a selection of red and white wines by the bottle, glass, or carafe. Non-alcoholic beverages and an assortment of imported and domestic craft beer will also be offered.
“There’s a special energy and excitement in the DMV that aligns perfectly with our restaurant,” said Sean Barry, general manager of Frank Pepe’s Alexandria. “The Bethesda community welcomed us with open arms and we are thrilled to soon debut in Alexandria.”
Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. seven days a week. The restaurant offers indoor dining, and patrons can carry out by calling (703) 719-2035. To-Go orders are quick and convenient with a pick-up counter located inside the main entry and designated "Reserved for Pepe's Takeout Only" parking spaces.
In addition to the DMV and Connecticut, Frank Pepe’s also operates in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, with locations set to open in South Florida later this year. For more information and store locations, visit www.pepespizza.com. Or follow the restaurant on Instagram @frankpepepizza, on Twitter @pepespizzeria, on TikTok @originalfrankpepepizza, on YouTube at Frank Pepe’s Pizza and “Like” them on Facebook at @FrankPepes.
