The Best Slice in Town
A story of pizza and opportunity in America
BAYONNE, N.J. — “Put two more in, that’s $4.00!” owner Vito Palmieri yells down to his coworkers. This is just a normal day Pompei Pizzeria, Bayonne’s hot spot for pizza located in midtown on Broadway
“It’s a blessing to have a business like this,” said Palmieri. “I love coming to work every morning and being with the guys, and getting to see regular customers and the kids after school”
Pompei is located just up the block from Nicholas Oresko School, a gifted and talented elementary school in the neighborhood. Students will often enjoy a slice of pizza after school, and it is impossible to get a seat in Pompei on Fridays during the school year,
Palmieri started the business after coming to America from Italy. He was born in San Vito Sullo’ Ionio, in southern Italy, where he grew up with his parents, and later emigrated with them to the United States for the opportunities that it offers. His sister-in-law moved back to San Vito where she works in a cheese shop in the small town. However, Vito found his success right here at Pompei.
“My parents saw opportunity in the United States and decided to make the move here, like many immigrants did,” he said. “America was like a land of opportunity. It worked out for me, and I love making pizzas everyday and being able to say that I enjoy coming to work. I’ve met a lot of people over the years, customers, kids coming by after school.”
Pompei is known to have the best slice in Bayonne.If you ask many locals and regular customers, they’ll tell you just that. The “Pompei Pizza” sign painted with the flag of Italy attracts its customers. The storefront was repainted just a few years ago to display Vito’s love for pizza and his Italian heritage. As for the business, there are no signs it is slowing down.
