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 West Duluth was opened in 1956 and is currently owned and operated by Mike, Pam and Nick Jerulle.
Mike began his pizza-making legacy in 1964 working at Sammy’s Pizza in Hibbing. Back then, he earned 50c an hour cutting cheese and pepperoni by hand. He eventually became the manager and 19 years later, he and his wife, Pam, purchased Sammy’s Pizza in West 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.
When you Crave,
Cram a Sammy’s.
