From a press release:
“Known for serving authentic Neapolitan pizza to adoring fans in a few lucky neighborhoods, Pupatella announced today it has secured an investment of $7.5 million to expand its reach in the Washington, D.C. metro area and beyond. As many as 15 additional company-owned pizzerias are planned over the next few years.
This most recent capital raise doubles a $3.75 million raise completed in late 2018 and was secured from largely the same private investors. That previous investment led to three new pizzerias in Arlington, Reston and Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle opening in the span of 12 months.
The latter two debuted in 2020 to much success, despite the challenges of the pandemic. Future growth plans already underway include upcoming Virginia locations in West Springfield and Fairfax (Mosaic), and three additional sites in negotiation, including Pupatella’s first in Maryland.
“Our investors recognize a winning recipe when they see it, and they know Pupatella has that unbeatable combination of exceptional food and a skilled leadership team that makes consistent execution and strong performance possible,” said Adam Winder, chief financial officer of Pupatella. “All of our restaurants continue to exceed expectations, and we are thrilled to keep growing and succeeding with a smart group of brand enthusiasts behind us.”
The company’s president, Cord Thomas added, “With Pupatella, each new location deepens our commitment to serving our guests the authentic neighborhood Neapolitan pizza experience. When you have a loyal following like we do, you stay focused on the details behind your success. For Pupatella, that’s the quality of our ingredients and the art of our nearly 150-year-old Neapolitan techniques.”
Founders Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme wouldn’t have it any other way. From Pupatella’s first days as an Arlington food truck in 2007, the two have stayed relentlessly dedicated to their origins and Naples-born Enzo’s desire to bring a slice of home to his neighborhood. They are proud of achieving certification by the Naples-based Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) and remain obsessed with maintaining the authenticity and quality of the pizza in all Pupatella pizzerias. The dough is prepared with only four ingredients: 00 Italian flour, sea salt, fresh yeast, and water. Each pizza is baked in a traditional wood-fired oven made of brick from Mount Vesuvius and cooks in around 90 seconds. Ingredients are imported weekly from Naples.
“Our focus is always going to be neighborhood Neapolitan, and our most recent capital raise gives us the opportunity to bring the true Naples pizzeria experience to more communities. It’s a dream that keeps growing for us,” said Enzo Algarme.
The Algarmes made Pupatella into a major player on both the local and national pizza scene when they opened their first Arlington pizzeria in 2010, earning accolades from noted food critics and Yelp reviewers alike. Their 2016 partnership with founding partners of Elevation Burger – Thomas and Michael Berger – and financial executive Adam Winder was a first step in growing the brand outside of Arlington. There are five restaurants currently open: two in Arlington, Richmond, Reston and the first Washington, D.C. location in Dupont Circle.
The menu at Pupatella features a robust selection of red and white pizzas, friggitoria (Italian fried food), small plates and salads complemented by select wines and a rotating offering of craft beers. The restaurant is also known for its convenient and affordable format. Guests order at the counter and then are seated to enjoy full tableside service. Spacious patios and takeout service have allowed Pupatella to adjust to pandemic restrictions and will continue to add to the dining experience.”