Danforth Pizza House celebrating 60th anniversary today with special guests.
November City Council Recap
This month's City Council session was especially significant for me, as two initiatives I've worked on for a long time came to fruition.
News Release - Serving up 60 Years of Memories on the Danforth, One Slice at a Time
Councillor Paula Fletcher and the Danforth Mosaic BIA issued the following news release on November 12, 2024:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO – Today, Danforth Pizza House, Toronto’s oldest pizzeria serving just pizza, is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
One of the few remaining vestiges of the east end’s Little Italy, this family-run business is a neighbourhood institution and favourite spot of east enders.
“This restaurant has been a part of people's lives for multiple generations and it’s been very rewarding for us to have become a part of that history,” said Elizabeth Manikas, who’s family took over the business in 2014 from Angelo D’Auria, who opened Danforth Pizza House in 1964 after emigrating from Italy.
“I think places like this give people a sense of community and continuity that isn’t always easy to find in a big city like Toronto,” added Manikas.
The Manikas’, an East York family who frequented Danforth Pizza House before taking it over, bought the business after Angelo passed away.
While they’ve made renovations, they’ve kept as much of the original restaurant as possible, including the old front window and, most important, Angelo’s same delicious and secret recipes.
Image 1: the original storefront Image 2: The Manikas family, owners of Danforth Pizza House
Residents, the Danforth Mosaic BIA, local businesses and representatives from the city will be on hand to celebrate this beloved community institution.
Guests include local resident Rocco Zambri, who bought the first pizza from Danforth Pizza House in 1964. He will be on hand to celebrate 60 years of great pizza on the Danforth.
“Danforth Pizza House has been a mainstay of the Danforth for 60 years” said Councillor Paula Fletcher. “The many heart-warming memories of Danforth Pizza I’ve heard from residents is a testament to how this local institution has connected generations in our community through their outstanding pizza,” added Fletcher.
"I remember coming to Danforth Pizza as a kid when I worked at my dad’s shop just down the block,"
said Billy Dertilis, chair of the Danforth Mosaic BIA. Dertilis added, “It goes to show how the Danforth Mosaic is the perfect place for independent businesses to grow and be successful long-term. I hope it inspires the next wave of small business owners to dream big and aim high.”
“I’m thrilled to be part of this celebration to support the Manikas family and highlight the contribution that he and other small businesses make - not just to our economy, but to the character and culture of our main streets which are the lifeblood of Toronto,” said Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, who is leading efforts to create a city-hosted international pizza festival in 2025 to support small businesses and celebrate the excellent pizza Toronto has to offer.
“It’s also a chance to honour the legacy of Angelo D’Auria who opened Danforth Pizza House 60 years ago and the pioneering contribution he and countless other immigrant family businesses made to the foundation of our culturally diverse, world class city,” added Colle.
About Paula Fletcher
Paula Fletcher has a long record of service to Toronto-Danforth residents. She first became involved as a leader in the East End Parent Network and was then elected as the TDSB Trustee in 2000. Paula was elected as City Councillor for the former Ward 30 in 2003 and has served as Councillor since. She was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2022 to represent the new Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth.
About the Danforth Mosaic BIA
The Danforth Mosaic, also known as “The Danny”, is made up of many entrepreneurs who work here and are deeply committed to our community. They’re more than business owners, they’re neighbours. Our business association, Danforth Mosaic BIA, represents businesses from Jones to Westlake along the Danforth. Together, we create a neighbourhood that is unique – home-grown, independent, engaged, and ready to welcome you.
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Media inquiries: [email protected]
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