UPDATE
: Could Arthur’s Famous Pizza on Park Avenue really be closing? That was the word apparently spread by a couple of employees, but the owner says it’s not closing despite financial difficulties. Keila Torres of The Connecticut Post tracked down the owner.
BRIDGEPORT — Hours after news of the supposed impending closure of Arthur’s Famous Pizza began making the Internet rounds, Thomas Gallo, of Florida, decided to slice the rumor into pieces.
The South End landmark founded by the late Arthur Yiotos will not be closing its doors after more than 50 years on Park Avenue, said Gallo, whose wife Ann is Yiotos’ sister.
“The next generation is alive and well,” he said, in a phone call from the couple’s home in Florida, “and the same formula, the same taste will continue.”
Gallo did note, however, that despite its popularity in the Park City the establishment, at 430 Park Ave., has not been spared from the economic woes threatening other small businesses.
“Are we having financial problems? Yes.” Gallo said, admitting that he and his wife would be traveling soon to Connecticut to visit the business. He did not elaborate, however, on the statement.
Gallo said concern about the business’ future may have arisen from their decision not to close this year for their usual two-week holiday vacation.
Arthur’s has been a South End staple for decades. Even when all the industries left the city we always had the eateries, the dog stands, the diners, the pizza joints to meet friends, fill our empty stomachs and argue over the best pies and toppings.
For me it’s … well … anchovies. What about you?
*** Sad to even think of Famous Pizza closing in the near future! When Art died he left about 50% of the business to Donna the long-time cashier & South End resident. However Art’s ex-partner who was let go due to business disputes in the past was never taken off the books do tell & apparently wants a piece of the pie along with Art’s 2 nephews. Shame they can’t settle to keep the business going without worrying about who’s zooming who? They do a hell of a business past & present and Donna is the one responsible for keeping the place going since Art’s passing. They will be missed if this is true no doubt! Is downtown the only place for neighborhood businesses lately? *** Time to help those businesses that have been here through the good, bad & ugly! ***
AMEN to that, Mojo.
The pizza at Arthur’s is lousy.
It’s all Greek to Me! Yahooy just doesn’t get it regarding Famous being a communal gathering and eating place in the South End. It’s is one of Bridgeport’s busiest restaurants.
Yahooy is the Ghost of the South End’s past. He’s so two-thousand and late.
Only in Bridgeport would people flock for lousy pizza just for the sake of camaraderie.
*** Go figure, try Domino’s then, it’s more about the business than personal pizza taste! *** FORGETABOUTIT ***
I did. Domino’s was better. Nostalgia aside, Arthur’s isn’t what it was once. Time to move on like Jerry’s and Jenny’s. I wish they were still great. That part of town was terrific for eateries and gin mills. No more. I wish the Blue Tea Pot were still around. The Paramount, The Knickerbocker, The Seawall, Conty’s.
State Buon’ Arthur. You had a good run. Either didi or find a good pizza maker and cater to the muslim extremists that are filling up that neighborhood.
Yahooy likes Zuppardi’s in West Haven.
The Oracle of Omaha Steaks!
Say Cheese!
Arthur’s Famous Pizza not closing its doors. False rumor by CT Postings.
I can remember going there with my parents and sisters when it was across the street and before the railroad tracks.