For many Atlantans, this pizzeria has been more than a place to grab a slice; it’s been a destination for fresh, flavorful Italian fare, from amazing salads to their renowned meatballs. This November, the family is writing a new chapter—honoring the roots that began it all, the second generation continues the family story with gratitude, appreciation, and spirit of community that connects past, present and future. We start where it all began, when the first generation came from Italy and established their roots at the Jersey Shore.
The story starts decades ago, when the family patriarch Carlo Accardi discovered a small pizzeria along the Jersey Shore. What began as a simple, local venture soon turned into a culinary passion that would define a family legacy. Years later, the second generation brought that vision to Atlanta, opening new locations that stayed true to their Italian roots while catering to a growing and enthusiastic audience. Their commitment to quality ingredients, natural distribution, and authentic flavors quickly won over locals and established the brand as a household name in the city.
Like many small businesses, the family faced unprecedented challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. With in-person dining limited and supply chains disrupted, they had to pivot. Innovation became a necessity, and they quickly adapted by shipping pizzas, meatballs, and other favorites across the country. What started as a survival strategy soon revealed a broader opportunity: their food could travel far beyond the city’s borders, reaching customers nationwide. Even in the midst of global uncertainty, the family found a way to keep their culinary tradition alive while connecting with fans in new ways. Earning an 8.1 One Bite score from Barstool Founder Dave Portnoy, today more than 100,000 pizzas have been shipped across the U.S. Now, after years of growth, adaptation, and nationwide distribution, the biggest news of all comes full circle. The second generation is returning to their roots, reopening a store along the Jersey Shore, where the family’s story began. This move isn’t just about expansion—it’s about honoring a heritage, celebrating the original vision, and bringing their signature flavors back to the community that first inspired them.
For the family, this return is deeply personal. The Shore location represents more than a restaurant; it’s a bridge between past and present, a nod to the father who discovered the original pizzeria and instilled a love for food, hospitality, and community. It’s also a chance for the second generation to bring the lessons they learned in Atlanta back home: how to balance tradition with innovation, how to grow while remaining true to one’s roots, and how to serve food that brings people together, whether across town or across the country.
Located at 1700 Surf Avenue, the North Wildwood store will feature two concepts in one retail space. A mercantile offering Carlo's Pizza frozen specialities alongside locally produced items including fresh farm produce, baked goods, and other high-quality staples. The space also houses Carlo's Pizza restaurant, where customers can enjoy freshly prepared pizzas and classic menu favorites on-site.
Atlanta customers will continue to enjoy their locally beloved menu, featuring everything from fresh, vibrant salads to hearty, hand-prepared meatballs, made with the same care and attention as when the first pizzeria opened. But now, with the Shore reopening, the family can celebrate a dual legacy—strengthening their presence in Atlanta while reconnecting with the original community that sparked their passion.
This November, the story of this family business is one of gratitude, resilience, creativity, and a full-circle journey that honors both the past and the future. From adapting to a pandemic to shipping their products nationwide, to returning home to the Jersey Shore, the family demonstrates that great food and deep-rooted values are timeless. Their journey reminds us that sometimes, the best way forward is to go back to where it all started
"Coming back to the Jersey Shore feels like home again - our roots, our family, our story. The community's warm welcome has been overwhelming. We're beyond excited about this new chapter now having locations in two cities we care deeply about."