EAST LONGMEADOW — A beloved local landmark is marking a remarkable milestone this fall. The Pizza Shoppe, of East Longmeadow, is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
The milestone is a moment that reflects not only the endurance of a neighborhood favorite, but also the deep community ties that have kept it thriving for generations.
“Though our family didn’t start The Pizza Shoppe — it was started by the Berg Family — it means so much to our family,” said owner Tony Giuggio. “We have lived and been a part of East Longmeadow our entire lives. My parents moved to town in the early ‘70s, my wife was born here, our kids were born and raised here, and The Pizza Shoppe has been an icon of the town for as long as we have known. To be part of that is very special to us.”
The Pizza Shoppe has grown and evolved while maintaining the familiar charm that locals love. “From what we have learned, there were multiple locations early on, but over the course of 70 years, the Shaker Road location is still standing strong,” Giuggio explained. “It grew from a small kitchen and a couple of tables to seat maybe 10 people to what The Pizza Shoppe is today — with a dining room and a large bar area accommodating many more people and families.”
In an era when restaurants come and go quickly, The Pizza Shoppe’s longevity stands out. Giuggio credits this to the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to its roots. “The Pizza Shoppe has stayed true to its origins,” he said. “From our iconic crust to the people that have worked here, we’ve always tried to keep that family atmosphere where everyone is welcome. Consistency and quality have been what we strive for so people always know what they are going to get.”
One tradition that has endured from the beginning is the shop’s signature dough. “The dough has been a staple of the Pizza Shoppe for as long as we have known,” Giuggio noted. “The sweet dough sets us apart from all other pizza places in the Western Mass area.”
Just as the restaurant has supported the community, the town has supported it right back. “East Longmeadow has always supported The Pizza Shoppe — from the town officials over the years to all the customers who live in town and surrounding towns,” Giuggio said. “It’s been a local hangout for decades. We’ve always tried to support local organizations when we can, and in turn, they have supported us.”
The heart of The Pizza Shoppe, Giuggio emphasized, isn’t just in its recipes — it’s in its people. “Every customer stands out. There are so many that remain loyal over the years, so to single anyone out would be an injustice,” he said. “People have come here as kids and now bring their kids and grandkids. People move away and come back to get Pizza Shoppe pizza whenever they can. Every day provides memorable moments. All the kids for whom it was their first job, and the employees who have worked here for over 30 years — those are the things you remember.”
To honor the 70th anniversary, The Pizza Shoppe will host a special celebration on Nov. 22, complete with pizza, its famous wings, prizes, contests and entertainment. And while the Giuggio family has been at the helm for more than 30 years, they’re already looking ahead. “We are always looking for ways to improve — through new technology, to new locations,” Giuggio shared. “We’re excited for the future, hopefully keeping it in the family and continuing to provide for East Longmeadow and surrounding communities.”
As The Pizza Shoppe celebrates this milestone, Giuggio has one message to share. “A big shout out to all our customers over the years and to all the people who have worked or still work at The Pizza Shoppe. Though my family owns the business, it’s the customers and employees, past and present, that have built The Pizza Shoppe and helped it continue to be part of the community.”
