The City Services and Environmental Policy Committee voted May 1 to advance an order to name the corner of Worcester and Brown Street in honor of Frank and Filomena Pepe, founders of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, as part of the pizzeria’s 100th anniversary commemorations.

A communication to the board from Alder Ellen Curran and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro requested the designation “Frank and Filomena Pepe Corner” to commemorate the family’s creation of New Haven‑style pizza and their contributions to the Worcester Square community. The committee heard from a restaurant representative that the pizzeria plans an unveiling on June 20, 2025, and is collecting the petition signatures required for the naming process.

Jeff Marie, speaking for Pepe’s, described the centennial and said the restaurant had already paid for the sign and was collecting signatures: “As we commemorate 100 incredible years… to honor our founders ... we are seeking permission from the great city of New Haven to add a street sign on the corner of Brown and Worcester Street,” he said.

Committee members praised the pizzeria’s local legacy. Alder Kelly Boyse Smith recalled family memories and noted the business’ long history of employment and community ties; other members described Frank Pepe as an immigrant entrepreneur who built a local institution.

Committee members directed staff to forward the petition to City Plan for signature validation and then to the full Board of Alders for final approval. City staff noted an existing requirement that petitions include a minimum count of nearby signatures; the restaurant reported about 200 signatures collected and acknowledged needing at least 250 with a required percentage located in the area. Staff also confirmed the payment for the sign had been received.

If the full board approves the order, the corner naming would be a perpetual recognition of the Pepe family’s contribution to New Haven’s culinary identity.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the committee agenda item on the proposed corner designation.