For 45 years, Janesville pizzeria has delighted city tastebuds
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Josie Pulizzi prepares to take a pizza out of the oven at Tony And Maria's Pizza on Milton Ave. in Janesville.
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Sam Pulizzi spreads sauce on a pie while making a pizza at Tony And Maria's Pizza on Milton Ave. in Janesville.
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Tony and Maria's Pizza is located in a tiny building on Milton Ave. in Janesville.
JANESVILLE — In the last 45 years, more than 1 million pizzas have gone out the door of the tiny brick building at 1503 Milton Ave.
The million—and counting—pizzas baked at Tony & Maria’s Italian Pizzeria are assembled in a narrow galley kitchen less than 25 feet long.
Owner Sam Pulizzi knows the dimensions because he paces its length every day, rolling the homemade dough and spreading the homemade sauce, plopping down homemade Italian sausage and topping it with just-ground mozzarella cheese—more than 150 pounds of cheese on the average night.
The pizzeria has become a Janesville institution. Josie and Sam Pulizzi have deliberately kept the menu small—pizza and cheese bread only—and offer no inside dining.
The Pulizzis opened the restaurant in 1966 in a former gas station that was then at the edge of town. The number of pizzas baked in the years since is a guess based on an average of 100 pizzas a day.
The restaurant has developed a loyal base over the years. Some former residents put Tony & Maria’s pizza at the top of their lists of things to do when they visit.
People call for pizzas from the airport, with Tony & Maria’s being their first stop back in town. They also pick pizzas up half-baked and then freeze them, finishing them off when they get to campgrounds, cottages or hunting lodges.
Loyal customers have had their pizzas shipped all over the world, including to place scuh as Minnesota, Colorado, Mexico and Afghanistan.
“A lot of GM people who moved, when they come back, the first thing they have is a pizza,” Josie said.
Mary Doerr, 2413 W. Juniper Ridge, says Tony & Maria’s pizza has been her family’s comfort food for the last 20 years. Doerr orders it at least once a week or risks going into withdrawal.
The flavors are excellent, she said. “They just put so much stuff on it.
“I know when they take the pizzas out of the oven, she (Josie) sprinkles something on it from this little bowl mixed up on the counter,” she said. “I don’t know what it is. I think it just adds that extra-little something to it.”
Said Josie: “We put our advertising on our pizza. It’s good stuff, good cheese.”
Josie advises customers to hold the pizzas flat: more than one tells the story of the heavy layer of molten cheese sliding off the pie.
When someone orders the couple’s 21-inch pizza—their drivers call it the “manhole cover”—with triple cheese and the works, you can’t even lift it, employee Chris Rabuck joked.
“It weighs about 15 pounds,” he said. “You can’t get a pizza like this anywhere else.”
Except maybe at Jim’s Pizzeria across town, which Josie’s brother Jim owns. Josie and her eight siblings all have opened restaurants in Janesville, Beloit and Sun Prairie, using their father’s recipe as a base. Her brothers all have worked at Tony & Maria’s.
Tony & Maria’s is named for Josie’s parents, Tony and Maria Piccione. The two emigrated from Italy to Beloit in 1956. Several years later they started baking Italian bread. They later opened a bakery and, eventually, four restaurants.
Tony, 94, still makes pizza in Beloit, Josie said.
Josie grew up working in her parents’ restaurants. She met Sam in Italy while visiting her grandparents.
After the couple married, they opted to operate something smaller and with fewer headaches than sit-down restaurants. They offer carryouts and free deliveries of pizzas adorned with classic toppings, including shrimp and artichokes.
Josie and Sam are partial to anchovies.
They live by the motto, “Keep it simple.” For instance, you can’t buy taco pizza at Tony & Maria’s because that would mean keeping lettuce and tomatoes on hand.
“That’s another ballgame,” Josie said.
The couple used to work seven days a week but now take off Monday—unless a holiday falls on that day. The pizzeria is open 4 p.m. to midnight except on weekends, when it closes at 12:30 a.m.
The number of pizzas that Tony & Maria’s has turned out over the years is nothing Josie really wants to hear.
“To be honest, that’s scary,” she said.
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.
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Wow, just ordered and prices went up $4.00 from last month. Must be word of mouth!
Dec 3, 2011 at 2:56 a.m.
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that's no shadow.
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It is......but even if it wasn't, like someone else said, sometimes people order their pizza like that. Doesn't change the fact they have GREAT pizza.
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Doesn't look the least bit appealing to this pizza lover.
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Your loss hoss.
Dec 2, 2011 at 4:32 p.m.
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For those of you who are thinking way way back and liked Mama's Pizzeria,on Center Ave where Burger King now sits, well that is Tony & Maria's brother/Josie's brother to be exact. Its all in the blood lines :)
Pizza Pizza Pizza!!!
Nov 30, 2011 at 11:15 p.m.
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li713 I hear ya. He really knew his costomers. I didn't order very often because it was just me and a baby, but when I did, as soon as I gave him my name or phone number, he knew exactly what kind of pizza I wanted.
Nov 30, 2011 at 5:42 p.m.
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I've enjoyed eating Tony and Maria's pizzas ever since they first opened. I have a mid-section which is a testament to how good their pizza is. I love the extra cheese and grease and the sauce is great also. I used to go to Beloit to get a great pizza at her parent's place. The family has not always had it easy in the business world in Janesville but they have made a real contribution to our community. I am retired but I hope they never do. They deserve our local patronage!
Nov 30, 2011 at 11:58 a.m.
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Rosati's is a chain and tastes like it. It is excellent for a chain but not the same as a real chicago pizza (Lou Malnatis, Giordanos, etc.). Sorry but Tony and Maria's blows the top off of Rosati's. I don't live in the state anymore and get a Tony and Maria's or a Jim's pizza whenever I visit (Tony and Maria's slightly beats out Jim's in my opinion). I can get a Rosati's where I live and do very often, but it is no Tony and Maria's!
Nov 29, 2011 at 11:36 p.m.
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Best pie in the 'Burg!! 2nd Jim's 3rd Lisa's 4th Sam's.
Nov 29, 2011 at 5:37 p.m.
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copo9561
Nov 29, 2011 at 4:01 p.m.
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the Gazette ran a story last year about a pizzeria in milton only they also sugested that this pizzeria was world famous. funny that Rosatis (chicago based pizzerias)in Janesville didnt stay open very long, they had great pizza. again proves Janesvillians have no taste.
I agree that was good stuff.
Then it was Peaches- who name spizza place peaches. tried Chubba Bubba and not good enough to get it again.
Nov 29, 2011 at 5:29 p.m.
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My family “discovered” the wonderful pizzas of Tony and Maria’s in early 1986. We were hooked from the very first pie! Being single income, two children, etc. we were not able to order out as much as we would have liked, but “T and M” as they are known in the family moved to the top of our favorites list.
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August ’86 I received orders for Active Duty from my Nat. Guard unit. Family packed up and moved to Virginia for most of a year. We returned from Ft. Eustis, VA in spring of ’87 with an auto bearing Virginia licenses plates.
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Barely home and getting resettled in our civilian lives, our small family decided we MUST celebrate our return with a T and M. The telephone order was placed and with great anticipation, I arrived a bit early for pick-up.
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Chatting with Josie at the pick-up counter I commented how we loved the pizzas and dearly missed them while gone out of the area. She asked, “Did you travel very far for this order?” Pointing to my auto that was parked directly in front of the door, Virginia plates quite distinct, I said, “Yep, all the way from Virginia!” We shared a good laugh, and my family shared a terrific Tony and Maria’s “Welcome Home” pizza pie. Molto delizioso! Grazia famiglie di Piccione!
Nov 29, 2011 at 5:13 p.m.
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Sam and Josie...I hope you never retire, I don't know what I would do with out your pizza. Tu sei la mia felicita!
Nov 29, 2011 at 5:02 p.m.
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DAMN now I want a pizza
Nov 29, 2011 at 5:01 p.m.
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I LOVE THIS PLACE...BUT...don't tip em or you will regret it...LOL
Nov 29, 2011 at 4:01 p.m.
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the Gazette ran a story last year about a pizzeria in milton only they also sugested that this pizzeria was world famous. funny that Rosatis (chicago based pizzerias)in Janesville didnt stay open very long, they had great pizza. again proves Janesvillians have no taste.
Nov 29, 2011 at 2:17 p.m.
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Laugh all you want 'belly, that's no shadow. Doesn't look the least bit appealing to this pizza lover.
Nov 29, 2011 at 12:57 p.m.
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lol The pizza in the picture has a shadow from the cheese on top of it, it's not burnt.
Nov 29, 2011 at 12:07 p.m.
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What a great story! I love Tony & Maria's pizza! Jim's is a close 2nd, but they've raised their prices quite a bit.
Nov 29, 2011 at 10:32 a.m.
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I absolutely love Sams's Pizza. My only gripe is that they are inconsistent on delivery to where we live. We're just northwest of 14/51 and sometimes they'll deliver and sometimes they won't. The last time we asked for delivery they said "If we did it before it was a mistake". It's not that far for us to drive to pick it up... but seriously...
Also, whoever answers the phone needs a hug.
Keep making the food this way though, and Ill still keep coming back, crappy service or not :)
Nov 29, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.
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Jim's burned my pizza last time, so I stick to Tony and Marias. I agree the pic does show a little over done.. but then again some people order them that way, with as many happy customers they have I doubt they are doing anything wrong.
Nov 29, 2011 at 8:54 a.m.
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Maybe it was. I remember going to recycle center when I was a kid. So maybe 35 years ago but cannot remember past that.
Nov 29, 2011 at 8:53 a.m.
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MArge was the dump really there 45 years ago???
Nov 29, 2011 at 8:52 a.m.
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My pizzas have come from Tony and Maria's for years now. Jim's is also good pizza.
Nov 29, 2011 at 8:06 a.m.
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I love Tony & Maria's pizza. But I don't think they have been at that location for 45 years. I can remember in the 70's when it was a Speedway gas station. At least until 1976. I grew up just a few blocks from there. Anyhow, since moving to the Quad Cities, I have yet to find a decent pizza. You should see this crap they put on em and call it sausage. Every time I am back in Wisconsin I have to get a good pizza. Last time was Jim's. As for the people who want to compare their pizza to Lou Malnati's, Gino's East and Giordano's, those are deep dish pizzas. If you want a great pizza in Chicago, go to Ledo's out in Countryside. Just west of Toyota Park,
Nov 29, 2011 at 7:48 a.m.
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Mama's pizza was the best! Everytime my hubby comes home we have to order Jims there pizza's are awesome and very reasonable the dinners are what make it costly if you have kids who have to have chicken strips LOL.
Nov 29, 2011 at 7:35 a.m.
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avidreader - You're right! Mama's was the best. My family still jokes about that one guy doing everything. I swear he answered the phone, made the pizzas, and delivered them too. We used to eat Mama's at least once a week. Now Jim's is the closest I can find.
Nov 29, 2011 at 7:28 a.m.
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sydhunt: That is not a burnt pie, Josie is flipping cheese back onto the pizza as they put so much cheese on their pizzas that it melts off the sides of it. One thing about Tony & Marias Pizzas is you never have to order extra cheese like you have to do with the chain pizzas. Tony and Marias have my vote for the best pizza!
Nov 29, 2011 at 6:45 a.m.
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If their pizza's like the photo of Josie scraping a burnt pie, no thanks!
Nov 29, 2011 at 6:34 a.m.
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Congratulations Sam and Josie! You have my vote for the "best pizza" in Southern Wisconsin, let alone Janesville. Our family, even my sicilian grandparents, have been eating your pizza for over 35 years and "we love every bite". Thank you for all the memories and for your dedication to an excellent product! Grazie mille!
Nov 29, 2011 at 5:53 a.m.
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Our Friday night treat!
Nov 29, 2011 at 1:37 a.m.
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I loved Tony and Maria's when I lived in the area! That is the perfect thin-crust pizza recipe, in my humble (Chicago born and raised) opinion. I miss that place.
Nov 29, 2011 at 1:25 a.m.
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Great Pizza from Sams, Tony and Maria's , Jims and Lisa's I normally order from Sams and Tony and Maria's just because there closer to my house . I order at least one a week , and have been for years !
Nov 29, 2011 at 12:34 a.m.
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great pizza. keep up the good work.
Nov 29, 2011 at 12:13 a.m.
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Another good reason to "buy local." Small independent businesses of all kinds enrich our community. Thanks for being here Sam and Josie!
Nov 28, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.
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I am with copo have had all of these places pies and still get stomach aches from these pizzas. Georgio's in Milton is nationallyacclaimed and quite frankly DELICIOUS.
Just an opinion but I never have gotten the craze over this stuff, just a local thing I guess. To each his own. Had 2pieces the last time we ordered and it went right in the trash. I'd rather eat chain pizza.
Nov 28, 2011 at 11:58 p.m.
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The pizza has been consistently good though out the years, very nice owners.
Nov 28, 2011 at 11:31 p.m.
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It is very good pizza, but Mama's was the best and now Jim's is the best. Mama's was nestled right at the foot of Trax's before it burned down, close to where burger king is now.
Nov 28, 2011 at 10:50 p.m.
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Best pizza ever....
Nov 28, 2011 at 10:23 p.m.
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Triple cheese whats the point, its like shoe leather.
if you folks in Janesville think this is the best pizza then you have no taste. try Lou Malnatis
Nov 28, 2011 at 8:59 p.m.
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I remember a grocery store, in a two story house, at this site in the early 60s.
Nov 28, 2011 at 8:56 p.m.
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I've been eating Tony & Maria's pizza for 35 years. I remember eating my first slice when I was 4 years old. My parents woke me up to try "this really great pizza". It was soooo good. The quality and taste is exactly the same. All I can say to Sam & Josie is a simple thank you for the excellent pizza & all of you're hard work. I hope to continue to eat your pizza for many years to come.
Nov 28, 2011 at 7:32 p.m.
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Macdaddy everybody is intitled to there own opinion and I have had some of the best pizza chicago has to offer Gino's East and Gino's West, and original Home Run Inn on 31st street, and then you have a place called Lou Malnati's, Chicago Pizza Oven grinders to name a few and they are ranked right there with them so believe me when I say Best Non chain Pizza In So. Wisconsin. The difference between Tony & Maria's and Jim's is the sauce, if you like a sweet sauce order Jim's if you like a zesty sauce order Tony & Maria's and if you like a pizza not so oily tell them easy on the cheese
Nov 28, 2011 at 6:11 p.m.
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Hey reedrick91485----did you know that the 'dump" smell was plated for years ago--idiots built there--to bad for them.(in case you don't get it--DON"T BUILD WHERE YOU KNOW THE DUMP IS GOING)
Nov 28, 2011 at 6:03 p.m.
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Definitly will be trying their pizza the next time I order pizza. Hope its as good as the people are saying.
Nov 28, 2011 at 5:55 p.m.
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Years ago, I remember Ski's pizza in Whitewater WI. It was a deep dish pie and the company operated in connection with the UW Whitewater (also had one at the UW Madison). That was awesome pizza!!!
Nov 28, 2011 at 5:37 p.m.
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Yes!! Ive been all over the country and ate pizza everywhere...You wont find a better tasting pizza (at least I havnt), I am also a routine customer. Also they are such nice people. I always thought it would be cool for them to have a sit down restaurant, you'd probably have to call for reservations as im sure it would be full all the time.
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I recently tried Jim's, its really good but just doesnt have the full zesty flavor Tony & Maria's has, Just reheating it in my house makes the whole house smell so good. Damn it.. Its usually a weekend treat... now i'll probably have to order some sooner...mmmmmmmmm.
Nov 28, 2011 at 5:24 p.m.
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I grew up 4 blocks from Tony & Marias Best pizza in Jansesville. Jim's is a close 2nd.
Nov 28, 2011 at 5:01 p.m.
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Not tonight ! )
Jims is closed now on Mon and Tues !(
Nov 28, 2011 at 5 p.m.
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Is this the same Ginos that was in Chicago- Des Plains area near airport and one other.
Both closed. We would get one when coming home from airport either dropping off somebody or picking up somebody. The sausage was one whole piece.
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:56 p.m.
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its good pizza, but not the best in all of southern wisconsin. That is going too far. Geno's East in Lake Geneva is way better! Chicago style and not greasy at all.
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:53 p.m.
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best pizza, ever :)
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:41 p.m.
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I've never had their pizza before... guess I'll be trying it!
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:40 p.m.
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I remember when the pizzas used to always come in this paper bag that was sorta blown up. Had a picture of a pizza on it. Sometimes it would fall and cheese all over the bag.
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:38 p.m.
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Who are the other brothers.
I thought Jim- confirmed.
Owner of Sams too?
Anybody else?
Owner of Lisa's?
It is good but when it gets cold you choke on the cheese and crust is like cardboard. Same with Sams. All good but when it is hot.
Jims still my fav.
I don't like cold pizza. Anybody else NOT like cold pizza.
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:38 p.m.
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Who are the other brothers.
I thought Jim- confirmed.
Owner of Sams too?
Anybody else?
Owner of Lisa's?
It is good but when it gets cold you choke on the cheese and crust is like cardboard. Same with Sams. All good but when it is hot.
Jims still my fav.
I don't like cold pizza. Anybody else NOT like cold pizza.
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:32 p.m.
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Delicious pizza! We just had some the other night at a birthday celebration!
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:26 p.m.
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By far Hands Down the Best Pizza in All 0f Southern Wisconsin, and for those of you that like a thinner crust pizza they will make you a thinner version of there World Class Pizza all you have to do is ask. Great Job Sam & Josie Thank you for bringing a taste of Italy to southern WI
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:13 p.m.
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I REALLY like thier pizza - YUMMY! My favorite pizza in town (but I have not tried them all). Nice article - congrats!
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