When thinking about the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, it’s only natural to want a slice from Grimaldi’s® Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria. Utilizing a 100-year-old pizza-making tradition, the brand’s first location opened in DUMBO, down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass. Since then, the pizzeria has made a name for itself not only by boasting one of the absolute best views of the Brooklyn Bridge but also by making quintessential New York City pizza. By Kelsi Trinidad
When thinking about the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, it’s only natural to want a slice from Grimaldi’s® Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria. Utilizing a 100-year-old pizza-making tradition, the brand’s first location opened in DUMBO, down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass. Since then, the pizzeria has made a name for itself not only by boasting one of the absolute best views of the Brooklyn Bridge but also by making quintessential New York City pizza.
“Jokingly, we say that it’s the pizza that made the Brooklyn Bridge famous,” said Grimaldi’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Flaum.
In 2019, Grimaldi’s began franchising, allowing its signature coal brick oven pizza to be shared across the U.S. and the rest of the world. Since then, Grimaldi’s has grown to 48 locations, including a location in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and is planning for more to come this year.
Grimaldi’s pizza remains in a league of its own by staying true to the original way the pizzas were made in the 1800s at the Brooklyn location. The coal brick oven is the focal point of each restaurant because it helps showcase the theater of making handcrafted pizza with fresh and premium ingredients. The company is striving to bring the traditional essence of a neighborhood pizzeria to cities all over so everyone can experience the magic of a truly authentic New York slice.
Grimaldi’s is aiming to expand by partnering with established restaurant groups that are looking to add the famous pizzeria to their portfolios and own a territory that encompasses an entire state.
“We really want people who are not investors, but they’re operators,” explained Flaum. “They’re committed to really treating the guests and associates with the highest ethical standards that we want to represent our brand well. Hopefully, they’re already involved in their community and people know who they are, so when they bring Grimaldi’s to their marketplace, it can be a home run.”
Kelsi Trinidad