Business & Tech
Owner Of Iconic New Haven Pizzeria Dies
The owner of Pepe's reportedly died of a heart attack.
NEW HAVEN, CT — The owner of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Gary Bimonte, has died, according to FOX 61.
Bimonte's Pizza of Cheshire posted on Facebook: "Mr. B’s would like to send out our heart-felt condolences to Gary’s family, from Pepe’s Pizza in New Haven. Truly, A very nice man, gone too soon. Rest well. We are so extremely sorry for your family’s loss."
New Haven police confirmed the news, according to WTNH. Wallingford firefighters responded to his home Wednesday where he suffered a heart attack.
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New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement: "My condolences to the family of Gary Bimonte and the greater Pepe’s family. They are an iconic institution not just in New Haven, but to the country. Their cultural contributions have a lasting impact on our nation’s culinary history. We will always remember Gary for the love he had for this City, his employees, and his family. Please keep his family in your thoughts."
Pepe's has 12 locations across the Northeast. Pepe Pizzeria was founded in 1925 at 163 Wooster St. by Italian immigrant Frank Pepe.
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The restaurant consistently ranks high in national pizza "best of" lists. For the past three years Pepe's has been ranked number 1 on The Daily Meal's 101 Best Pizzas in America list.
The New Haven location will be closed for all business today, April 8th, as we mourn the passing of our brother and friend, Gary Bimonte. Please visit our website for the official family statement. pic.twitter.com/x8aM3LAwZN
— pepespizzeria (@pepespizzeria) April 8, 2021
Gary was as much of an icon and cornerstone of #NewHaven as anyone. A man with big heart, Gary was immensely proud and dedicated to his family, employees and greater community. Our thoughts are with the Bimonte family and everyone at @pepespizzeria as we all mourn their loss. https://t.co/NBuiainMg9
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) April 8, 2021
Sad to learn of Gary Bimonte’s passing. When you think of pizza, you think of Pepe’s. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Thank you, Gary, for many great slices & memories. https://t.co/YlD9FGoZmz
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) April 8, 2021
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