Celebrating 50 Years of Jimmy's Pizza: A Mamaroneck Landmark

Sandra, Jimmy and George Kapakos

by Marina Kiriakou -

In a village like Mamaroneck, where competition is fierce along the bustling Avenue, being a successful pizzeria is no small feat.  Yet, Jimmy’s Pizza has managed to carve out its own unique identity, becoming both a destination and a beloved neighborhood staple.  Nestled among prominent neighbors like Mamaroneck Avenue School, the Avalon, North Shore Farms, and a vibrant residential community, Jimmy's has thrived for half a century.

On Saturday, November 22nd, Jimmy’s Pizza will celebrate a remarkable milestone—its 50th anniversary at 822 Mamaroneck Avenue.  The festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until 3:00 p.m., inviting all community members to join in the celebration, extend their well-wishes to Jimmy, and, of course, enjoy delicious homemade food.

A Journey of Passion and Dedication

Jimmy, the heart and soul of Jimmy's Pizza, began his journey in the pizzeria business 50 years ago after working at his cousin's establishment.  “My late wife Olga and I started the business together.  I loved making pizzas and taking care of the customers,” he shared.  Inspired by their experiences, he sought out a storefront and found a home on Mamaroneck Avenue.

Reflecting on his long journey, Jimmy noted, “Coming to this country as an immigrant, starting this business with nothing, and having it be part of this community for the past 50 years is what I'm most proud of.”  He reminisced about the countless memories created over the years, especially the joy of seeing generations of families return to the pizzeria.  “The kids coming in after school every day with their parents, who tell them stories of how they used to come here too, have made the best memories.”

Transitioning to the Next Generation

As Jimmy prepares to step down from his day-to-day role, his son George, alongside his wife Sandra, will take over the family business.  George expressed his excitement about celebrating this significant anniversary, stating, “It feels fantastic to know that my father has thrived for 50 years in an eat-or-be-eaten industry.”

Growing up in the pizzeria, George has fond memories of learning the ropes from a young age.  “Some great memories were learning how to make the pizzas at the age of eight and not being allowed to go out and play until I folded all the pizza boxes,” he recalled.  The pizzeria has always been more than just a place of work for George; it has been his second home and the community his family.

Preserving Tradition While Embracing Change

As they take the helm, George and Sandra are committed to maintaining the warm atmosphere of Jimmy’s Pizza.  “We never want to change the feel of Jimmy’s Pizza.  Nostalgia plays a huge role in how our customers experience our pizzeria,” George explained.  “When people choose where to eat, they’re not only deciding on food; they’re choosing how they want to feel.”

To enhance the dining experience while preserving its rich history, the family plans to reintroduce Jimmy’s Sicilian and expand the menu with some fresh Greek and Italian offerings.  They also recognize the need for modernization, with plans to launch a website for online ordering and delivery services by early next year.

A Commitment to Community

The support of the Mamaroneck community has been instrumental in the success of Jimmy’s Pizza. “Without the Mamaroneck community, Jimmy’s Pizza wouldn’t exist,” says George.  “Their love and support have kept us afloat even in the toughest of times.”  As they look ahead, George and Sandra are eager to deepen their community ties by participating in local events and supporting initiatives like soup kitchens.

In a competitive market, George believes that Jimmy’s Pizza stands out for its commitment to quality and community.  “We’re a boutique-style pizzeria focused on quality and community, and we will never waver from those two priorities,” he stated.

Looking to the Future

As the family prepares for the transition, their vision for Jimmy’s Pizza remains clear. “We hope that Jimmy’s Pizza continues to be a cornerstone of the community for another generation,” George shared.  With plans to invest in staff and create new memories for families, students, and neighbors, the future looks bright.

On November 22nd, join the celebration at Jimmy’s Pizza to honor Jimmy’s incredible legacy and welcome George and Sandra as they carry the torch forward.  “Take care of my customers just like I did and treat everyone like family,” Jimmy advised his son, a sentiment that will undoubtedly continue to resonate at this cherished local spot.