Pizza John's: A Symbol of the American Dream

Sometime back in the mid 1970’s, during one of my reading moods I became enthralled with the autobiography penned by Boston Red Sox legend Tony Conigliaro.

Conigliaro's fantastic career, which ran from the mid 1960’s until the early 1970’s was sadly cut short when he never fully recovered from being accidentally hit in the head by a pitch.

Conigliaro had become great friends and a constant companion of Frank Sinatra and his circle of buddies. He reserved one chapter in his book to tell of the Sinatra friendship. In one particular instance he mentioned being at Sinatra’s house one day along with a few members of Sinatra ’s “Rat Pack” when Frank got the urge for some pizza.

Sinatra mentioned he knew a wonderful place that had the beast pizza around. The next thing Tony knew, he was in a private jet heading from Sinatra’s California home to Chicago for pizza.

Every time I think of that story, I think of a local “pizza legend” who also has many patrons travel from out of state just for one of his pizzas. My brother for one who was stationed in New London, Conn. was one of those people while he was in the military.

Whenever he came to Baltimore to visit my mom and dad he would always stop at first to get a large works pizza. Pizza John’s facebook page also gives accounts of many others who cross state lines for a taste of its specialty.

story is truly the story of the American dream come true. John immigrated to America from his native Italy when he was only 16 years old. In 1950, he obtained employment in east Baltimore as a baker. He followed that with a 10-year career as a pizza maker for in Dundalk.

While enjoying the work at Squires, Coruzzi always had the urge to go into business for himself. That opportunity came in 1966 when with no one by his side, he opened Pizza John’s carryout at 131 Back River Neck Road. Within months, John was joined by his brother Peter, who immigrated from Italy to help run the business. A year later youngest brother Anthony joined the team.

The business took off like gangbusters. In no time at all the number of employees had grown to almost 20. On weekends, the line of hungry customers for the carryout would consistently run out the door of the 600-square-foot building and onto the sidewalk.

Pizza John’s had gained a reputation for using only the freshest ingredients and serving only the highest quality product.

By 1976, the brothers had decided the location no longer provided adequate room for growth and expansion so they began looking for other sites. In 1977, Pizza John’s moved into a new 2,500-square-foot building just a few hundred yards down the street at 113 Back River Neck Road.

Still only a carryout business after the move, the brothers chose to expand the menu, which in turn lead to the addition of an 80-seat dining area in 1981.

Several other expansion projects over the years were culminated with the most ambitious growth in 2004. At that time, the entire exterior was overhauled to give the appearance of a Tuscan Villa. The parking lot was increased, the service counters were enlarged, and 100 more seats were added. Pizza John’s now proudly boasts four different dining rooms with a total seating capacity of 220 people.

Pizza John’s is still family-owned and operated with some of the second generation Coruzzis assuming more responsibility. Unfortunately, illness forced Anthony to give up his working duties some years ago before he passed away in July after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

John retired a few years back but still visits from time to time to ensure things are going well. Peter now oversees the operation of the business as it continues to grow. He still maintains the philosophy that started back in 1966, “only fresh ingredients, fast friendly service, and a quality product.”

Pizza John’s is also famous for giving back to the community it serves. Countless charitable and/or worthwhile organizations have been the benefactors of the Coruzzi Family’s generosity.

Pizza John’s offers tours of the facilities to church groups, schools and other organizations. They are the recipients of many awards from local governments, business groups and publications such as “Baltimore’s Best Pizza” several years running.

John, Peter, and Anthony Coruzzi created a model business that has secured its place in the history of our community and will continue to do so for many years. Again, the "American Dream" comes true.