Our Story
1963
In the early 1960’s, a young man by the name of Ferdinando “Fred” Pizzo brought a piece of Sicily to Grand Rapids. He opened up a pizzeria and built a very successful business called Fred’s Pizza King, based on quality products, friendly service, and fair prices. He started in his home, and slowly but surely, word got out about his great cooking. “We just grew and grew” remarked his son Salvatore “Sam” Pizzo, who started out washing dishes as a kid.
1970
Eventually, Fred realized that his take-out business needed more; he needed a sit-down dining area, so he turned his business into a dine-in establishment around 1970.
1996
On May 1st, 1996, Sam closed the restaurant for the night and headed home around Midnight. A few hours later he got a call from a Sheriff’s deputy: The Restaurant was burning. Sam lived four blocks away, and he could see the smoke when he got halfway there. Fred’s Pizza burned to the ground.
2010
Sadly, Ferdinando passed on in 2010. But the vision of Fred Pizzo continues, as Fred’s Italian Restaurant is currently being operated by his son Sam Pizzo and his family. Thanks to Sam having the same traits as his father, that same piece of Sicily lives on and the rich family tradition continues!
2013
Our 50th year! A tremendous crowd showed up for the grand re-opening celebration. There are more pictures of this wonderful day in our dining room.
2019
After a lot of effort, our new addition is open. Come see our beautiful new building!