In 1969, Pete and Effie Ampatzis came to Philadelphia from Athens, Greece. After a couple of years working as a tailor in a large factory, Pete decided to take on a new endeavor. Years of hard work and dedication taught Pete the ins and outs of the restaurant business. He first began by operating the popular center city restaurant, Dragon Style Pizza. Dragon Style Pizza was very successful, however the establishment was small and he wanted to live out the American dream by owning a restaurant. In 1980, Pete opened the first Pete’s Famous Pizza in Logan Square.

The restaurant was an immediate success. Pete’s Famous Pizza became a Philadelphia favorite from birth. In 1981, Pete’s Famous Pizza was awarded the highly coveted “Best Pizza of Philadelphia” by Philadelphia Magazine. Lines formed out the door, deliveries were constant and tables were always occupied. Pete’s Famous Pizza is proud to have such rich history in the Logan Square Community and to still be a neighborhood favorite.

Pete’s number one priority in crafting food was (and always will be) quality. Our dough consists of only the finest ingredients and made daily on premises. The phrase, “Hot stuff to go” is a distinguishing Pete’s Famous Pizza term. Pete wanted to ensure that every customer would receive their delivery hot so he purchased pickup trucks with ovens installed on the back. If you look closely at the Pete’s Famous Pizza delivery sign, hanging above the restaurant, you can see a picture of these trucks.

Today, the tradition of quality and consistency continues within the Ampatzis family. With the help of his daughter Maria, wife Effie and grandson Pete, Pete’s Famous Pizza still ensures the highest quality of food and service to every customer. Pete is proud to see his legacy continue. It has been over 30 years and Pete’s Famous Pizza is still a Philadelphia favorite!