Tony and Mary Pizzi first came to Conneaut from the Campobasso region (Santa Maria del’Molise) of Italy, in the 1920’s, with dreams of starting a new life in a new country. A mason by trade, Tony Pizzi built several houses in Conneaut and built onto the existing structure located at 709 Harbor Street. In 1934, Tony opened a beer garden at that location, which would eventually evolve into Pizzi Café in 1939. This young, Italian family brought round pizza to the community and their namesake served patrons for over 85 years. Pizzi Café was operational until 2018 when the business closed its doors, under only its third ownership since opening.

In 2023, Karen Wheeler and Taylor Hill - Tony and Mary’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter, respectively - pooled all their good luck and purchased their family’s legacy building back. With the original family pizza recipe, a fresh atmosphere, and a simplistic menu, Karen and Taylor sought to bring back their family’s classic and unbeatable pizza to their hometown once again with a touch of their own styles and personalities mixed in, too. Grandpa Pizzi’s Place opened its doors in Spring 2024 - 90 years after Tony and Mary began the legacy.

Salute!