Frank Pepe, the Originator of New Haven Pizza, Is Reportedly Coming to Maryland | Eater DC

"I'm told Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, the legendary New Haven brand credited with pioneering the regional thin-crusted, charred “apizza” often topped with clams, is reportedly planning to open a location in Bethesda’s Westfield Montgomery Mall next year. WTOP cites sources saying the first D.C.-area outpost could open by late 2020, and Popville initially reported the move before clarifying it would land in Montgomery County; Eater has reached out to the brand for comment. Founded in 1925 and recognized as the oldest pizzeria in New Haven, Frank Pepe has been ranked No. 1 on Daily Meal’s list of 101 best pizzas in America for two years, and a coal-fueled brick oven gives its pizzas a distinct blackened crust. Seven grandchildren of the namesake oversee the brand, which has grown to 11 locations (including two in the Boston area, one in Warwick, RI, and one in Yonkers, NY), and Gary Bimonte has said the brand eventually hopes to expand to 20–30 stores across the Northeast." - Gabe Hiatt