Establishment History
In 1994, the Zepsa family opened the doors to Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, a New York-style pizza joint that quickly became a beloved neighborhood staple in Charlotte’s LoSo (Lower South End) district. For seven years, the restaurant thrived, offering locals a taste of the Big Apple with its signature thin-crust pies and classic Italian dishes. However, in 1999, the family made the difficult decision to sell the business, citing the overwhelming demands of running a popular eatery.
The new owners kept Zepeddie’s open for a few more years, but ultimately closed the doors for good in 2001. The Zepsa family, recognizing the restaurant’s significance to the community, immediately claimed the iconic neon sign, determined to revive the pizzeria when the time was right. “I think we always had in our hearts and minds to revive it one day again,” explains Brian Zepsa, who worked at the original location as a high school student. “It was more of a pause, so to speak.”
Now, over two decades later, the Zepsa family is making good on that promise. On November 1st, 2022, Zepeddie’s Pizzeria will reopen its doors, reclaiming its place in the rapidly evolving LoSo neighborhood. “What has happened in the LoSo area over the last 30 something years is incredible,” Brian muses. “And we thought now is the right time to give it a try again.”
Pizzeria Offerings
While the iconic neon sign and the quaint charm of the old space will remain, the Zepsa family has made significant updates to the Zepeddie’s Pizzeria experience. The focus this time around, says Brian, is on “the quality of what we’re putting out,” with a heavy emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
The menu will feature a selection of authentic New York-style pizzas, including the Bianca – a thick-crust pie made with white sauce, Taleggio cheese, freshly sliced pears, chili-infused hot honey, and extra virgin olive oil. The restaurant’s specialty thin-crust option, the Big Gabagool, boasts Ezzo cup-and-char pepperoni, capicola, house-made meatballs, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Beyond the signature pies, the Zepeddie’s menu will also offer calzones, strombolis, and an array of hot and cold sub sandwiches. According to Brian, the team has spent nearly a year perfecting the dough and bread, ensuring that every item is made fresh daily with high-quality, local, and organic ingredients.
“I think we’re just offering something a little unique and a little bit different and a little bit fun than your typical pizzeria,” Brian explains. “You’re not going to find your normal meat lovers or veggie and whatnot. We’re trying to do something a little bit different and at the same time, stay the course with high-end ingredients.”
Local Community Impact
For long-time Charlotte residents, the return of Zepeddie’s Pizzeria is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. Brian acknowledges the significance of bringing back the neighborhood favorite, recognizing that the “folks who even remember Zepeddie’s are few and far between” due to the dramatic population turnover in the area.
However, the Zepsa family is confident that the revitalized Zepeddie’s will have a positive impact on the LoSo community, which has undergone a remarkable transformation since the restaurant’s original closing. “It’s just apartment complex after apartment complex going up over there. And it’s all mostly breweries and whatnot in the area,” Brian observes.
The family’s decision to reopen Zepeddie’s Pizzeria aligns with the neighborhood’s evolving landscape, as locals are increasingly seeking unique, high-quality dining experiences that go beyond the typical chain offerings. “They want something funky and unusual and different, but at the same time, good for you and doesn’t have all sorts of additives, and this and that in it, and everything else,” Brian explains.
By focusing on delivering a fresh, innovative take on classic New York-style pizza, the Zepsa family hopes to contribute to the economic revitalization of LoSo while also preserving the area’s cherished traditions. The two-day grand opening celebration on November 1-2 will feature a range of family-friendly activities, from raffle giveaways and face-painting to a build-your-own cannoli bar and a stromboli-eating competition, further cementing Zepeddie’s as a hub for community engagement.
Future Plans and Expectations
As the Zepsa family prepares to reopen Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, they are not content to simply recreate the past. Instead, they are focused on evolving the brand to meet the demands of a new generation of Charlotte residents.
While the old Zepeddie’s had a pizza buffet and salad bar, the new iteration will prioritize top-notch delivery and takeout services, catering to the “growing demand for convenient yet delicious meals.” The menu has been carefully curated to feature a range of specialty items, from the Bianca pizza to the Big Gabagool, showcasing the family’s commitment to quality and innovation.
“I just think that’s the cultural change in people, so to speak, from 30 years ago to today,” Brian observes. “They don’t want just the normal plain chain thing that everyone can do and they can get around every corner and whatnot. They want something funky and unusual and different, but at the same time, good for you and doesn’t have all sorts of additives, and this and that in it, and everything else.”
As for the future, the Zepsa family is open to the possibility of expanding the Zepeddie’s brand, but their primary focus remains on delivering an exceptional dining experience in the LoSo neighborhood. “I’m heading things up, but everything we do is always with the family,” Brian asserts, underscoring the deep personal investment the Zepsas have in the restaurant’s success.
Ultimately, the return of Zepeddie’s Pizzeria is a testament to the Zepsa family’s unwavering commitment to their community and their belief in the power of perseverance. After two decades of closure, the iconic neon sign will once again illuminate the LoSo district, inviting Charlotte residents old and new to experience the passion and artistry that have always defined Zepeddie’s Pizzeria.
