Scottsdale, Arizona, December 25, 2025
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, with roots over a century deep in New York, is expanding its coal-fired pizza tradition across the US from its headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. This strategic move highlights Arizona’s supportive business environment, allowing established brands like Grimaldi’s to thrive. The pizzeria, known for its commitment to quality ingredients and authentic recipes, operates over 40 locations nationwide and recently launched a National Franchise Program, marking a new phase of growth and opportunity.
Phoenix Fuels Grimaldi’s Nationwide Pizza Growth
From its Scottsdale headquarters, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, a brand with over a century of New York heritage, is strategically expanding its beloved coal-fired pizza tradition across the United States.
Phoenix, AZ, a vibrant center for entrepreneurial spirit and economic dynamism, is home to the strategic operations center for a culinary legend. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, a name synonymous with authentic New York-style, coal-fired brick-oven pizza, has rooted its national growth strategy right here in Arizona. This move exemplifies how our state’s supportive business environment allows established brands to thrive and expand, fostering economic growth and showcasing the power of private enterprise to innovate and reach new markets. The resilience and vision demonstrated by Grimaldi’s leadership in scaling a historic brand from our local community underscores the significant contributions businesses make to the wider economy.
A Legacy Forged Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s esteemed coal-fired, brick-oven pizza-making tradition began over a century ago under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. This deep-rooted heritage has established Grimaldi’s as an iconic American pizzeria chain. Known for its commitment to real ingredients, including fresh sliced mozzarella and a proprietary dough and pizza sauce recipe, Grimaldi’s has earned recognition as the most award-winning pizzeria in the United States. The brand’s history extends back to Frank Ciolli, who acquired the name and company from Patsy Grimaldi in 1994. Patsy Grimaldi is no longer involved with the chain, having later opened Patsy’s Pizzeria in Brooklyn.
Arizona as a Hub for National Expansion
Shortly after its acquisition in 1994, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria moved its company headquarters to Scottsdale, Arizona. This strategic relocation positioned the brand to oversee its ambitious expansion initiatives from the heart of the Southwest. Under the leadership of CEO Joseph Ciolli, the company has grown significantly, now operating over 40 restaurants throughout the United States. The decision to base operations in Arizona highlights the state’s appeal to businesses seeking a conducive environment for scaling their operations and fostering growth, directly benefiting the Phoenix AZ business landscape.
Upholding Tradition Through Innovation and Quality
Despite its national expansion, Grimaldi’s remains committed to preserving the authentic New York pizza experience. A notable aspect of this dedication involves specific water systems engineered to replicate New York tap water for their dough preparation. This meticulous approach ensures that the distinct flavor profile, which pizza lovers from around the United States have enjoyed for decades, is maintained across all locations. This blend of tradition and innovative logistical solutions underscores the entrepreneurial spirit driving the brand’s success. The company recently announced the launch of its National Franchise Program, signaling a new phase of growth and opportunity for aspiring business owners. New locations, such as one in Ankeny, Iowa, opened in January 2024, are part of this ongoing expansion Nationwide.
Economic Impact and Entrepreneurial Success in the Grand Canyon State
The story of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s growth from Arizona is a testament to the potential for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs to lead national ventures. By choosing Scottsdale as its operational base, Grimaldi’s contributes to the local Phoenix AZ business landscape, creating jobs and fostering economic activity. The company’s expansion, guided from Arizona, showcases how strong leadership and a clear vision can transform a cherished local brand into a successful national enterprise. This demonstrates the vitality of the Phoenix small business ecosystem, attracting and nurturing businesses that achieve widespread success. This journey underscores the importance of fostering an environment where businesses can flourish without excessive regulatory hurdles, enabling them to invest, grow, and contribute meaningfully to employment and prosperity.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s journey, from its storied origins in New York to its strategic growth powered from Arizona, offers a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial achievement. The brand’s expansion across the United States, managed from its Scottsdale headquarters, highlights Arizona’s role as a fertile ground for businesses aiming for national impact. As Grimaldi’s continues to bring its authentic pizza experience to more communities Nationwide, it reinforces the value of resilient leadership, commitment to quality, and the positive impact of businesses that choose to innovate and expand. We encourage readers to support local businesses and remain engaged in Phoenix’s dynamic economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Where did Grimaldi’s Pizzeria originate?
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s esteemed coal-fired, brick-oven pizza-making tradition began over a century ago under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
- When did Grimaldi’s Pizzeria move its headquarters to Arizona?
- Shortly after its acquisition in 1994, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria moved its company headquarters to Scottsdale, Arizona.
- How many Grimaldi’s Pizzeria restaurants are there?
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria operates over 40 restaurants throughout the United States.
- What makes Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s dough unique?
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria uses specific water systems engineered to replicate New York tap water for their dough preparation.
- What is Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s recognition?
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has earned recognition as the most award-winning pizzeria in the United States.
- Has Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launched a franchise program?
- Yes, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria recently announced the launch of its National Franchise Program.
Key Features of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s Growth
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Tradition | Coal-fired, brick-oven pizza-making tradition began over a century ago under the Brooklyn Bridge. | Local NYC |
| Company Headquarters | Moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, shortly after its acquisition in 1994. | State-level (Arizona) |
| Restaurant Count | Operates over 40 restaurants. | Nationwide |
| Dough Preparation | Uses specific water systems engineered to replicate New York tap water. | Nationwide practice, Local NYC resource for ingredient |
| Awards and Recognition | Recognized as the most award-winning pizzeria. | Nationwide |
| Expansion Strategy | Launched a National Franchise Program. | Nationwide |
| Brand History | More than 100 years of history in its making, enjoyed by pizza lovers from around the United States. | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
