Our Family Tradition

Some would say it all started more than 69 years ago in a small, rural town on Minnesota’s Iron Range. But those of us who knew Grandpa Sam say it all started with a hope and a dream.

In the early 1950s, few people in northern Minnesota even knew what pizza was. But when Sam Perrella, owner of a small café in Keewatin, heard stories from World War II veterans about favorite foods they’d discovered while serving in Italy, he decided to investigate. He spent a short time in Chicago (where he picked up on the idea of square cut slices), then – working with his wife Louise – they combined some traditional family recipes with their own special touches.

Sam moved his small café to the larger, neighboring town of Hibbing in 1954, and Sammy’s Pizza was born.

Four Generations

Over the years, the tastes and traditions of Sammy’s have gained an almost cult-like following, as devoted Sammy’s lovers have developed their own traditions around the pizza and the restaurants. Today, we’re proud that we are in the fourth generation of pizza makers – or, as we like to refer to them, artisans.

Spreading our
saucy secrets

What originally started as a small café in a rural town on Minnesota’s Iron Range, Sammy's Pizza has grown to 15 locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Each location is locally owned and operated by a family member or close friend of the Perrella family — who still use Sam and Louise’s original recipes.

Our Family Tradition

Four Generations

Spreading our saucy secrets

We're kind of a Big Deal

Spreading our
saucy secrets

We're kind of a
Big Deal