Est. 1954: A Family Tradition
The story starts in Grandpa Sam Perrella’s small cafe in Keewatin, Minnesota in the early 1950s. Around the table, stories were shared by WWII veterans about a new favorite food discovered while serving in Italy: pizza. Sam listened, was inspired and rode the rails to Chicago to discover more about this Italian dish. After tasting his fair share of slices (for research purposes of course), he came home to Gramma Louise. Together, they kneaded, mixed, sliced, diced and created their own take on this delish delight. The results were a pizza unlike any other. A mix of Chicago, Italy, and their own secret sauce, Sammy’s Pizza quickly became a local tradition, expanding to cities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
Over the years, Sammy’s lovers developed their own traditions gathered around our bite-sized squares, Italian favorites, and friendly service and atmosphere. Today, Sammy’s Pizza proudly offers 15 locations. Each restaurant is locally owned and operated by a family member or close friend of the Perrella family still using Sam and Louise’s original recipes!
Our Home Location
Sammy's Pizza in Downtown Duluth was opened in 1956 by Sam Perrella, Jr. and his wife Jeanne. We are proudly the longest existing pizza restaurant in Duluth, MN and the second oldest Sammy’s after the original restaurant in Hibbing, MN.
Sam Jr., brought Sammy's to Duluth with a simple ideology: Be an innovator, not a follower. Take the proper time to prepare something right. Strive for a home-cooked, quality product, a fair price and personal service. Go through the extra effort and expense to be the best. And, only serve a meal that you would be proud to serve guests in your own home. That's what our "family tradition" means.
The restaurant is still in the family today, locally-owned and operated by Terry Perrella, Timmy Perrella, and Terry's daughter, Alex. The Perrellas also own Sammy's restaurants in Hermantown and Woodland (Duluth).
When you visit, our hope is that you’ll realize Sammy’s makes much more than great pizza – we make works of art inspiring traditions with family and friends, as well as in our local community.
Don’t delay, order a pie today!
