Our story begins in 1973… when the Zelepos family opened Mystic Pizza. Hard work, family effort and a “secret recipe” contributed to the long run success of Mystic Pizza. Of course, the real reason behind our success is our pizza. So addicting is Mystic Pizza that the crowds grew and grew.

The day Hollywood came to town… Incredibly, Mystic Pizza® caught the eye of screenwriter Amy Jones, who was summering in the area. Ms. Jones chose Mystic Pizza as the focus and setting for her story of the lives and loves of three young waitresses. The movie was filmed on location in Mystic and neighboring towns. “Mystic Pizza” was released in 1988 and was a hit, even Siskel and Ebert gave it two thumbs up!

Meanwhile, back in Mystic… the little pizza shop could barely keep up the demand. Customers lined the sidewalk, waiting to taste “A Slice of Heaven.” Menus and matchbooks disappeared in amazing quantities. Cars on Main Street dangerously avoided pizza fans who straddled the yellow lines angling for photos. What could we do? We answered the hungry demand and opened Mystic Pizza II in North Stonington. This shop thrived, but it still wasn’t enough to satisfy nationwide pizza fans…