What company opened its first Italian eatery in Brooklyn's King Plaza Shopping Center in 1970?

Sbarro, LLC is a chain of pizzeria that specializes in New York style pizza by the slice and other Italian-American cuisine. In 2011, the company was ranked 15th in foreign systemwide sales among U.S. based quick-serve and fast-casual companies by QSR Magazine. In 2008, Sbarro was rated the 1 Quick Service Restaurant in the Italian segment by Entrepreneur magazine. Sbarro has over 800 locations in 33 countries. Sbarro stores are located in shopping malls, airports, and college campuses. Sbarro has locations in The Pentagon, American naval bases and casinos.

Sbarro was founded in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro. The couple and their three sons, Joseph, Mario, and Anthony immigrated to America from Naples, Italy. The same year, the Sbarro family opened their first salumeria (an Italian grocery store) in Brooklyn, New York, which became popular for its fresh food and Italian fare. Its original location closed down in 2004. The success of the grocery store led to the opening of additional locations in the New York City metropolitan area. In 1970, Sbarro opened its first mall-based restaurant in Brooklyn's Kings Plaza Shopping Center. One of their busiest outlets was located in the World Trade Center mall.

In 2014, the Fiscal Times listed Sbarro as the worst fast food restaurant chain in America. In May 2015, Yahoo! Food ranked Sbarro as the second-best pizza chain in America, among competitors Dominos, Little Caesars, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

55 Comments

William Laughlin

Michael Fulthorpe, It's getting really tiresome to hear yet another non-American crying about the "American nature" of the questions. When was the last time you submitted a question? The reason there are so many American oriented questions is that Americans actively submit questions about what they know: American subjects. If you really want to see more variety in the questions, why not submit questions about your corner of the world? Griping without participation changes nothing. Either step up or shut up.

John W Shreve

Larry Manfrede, If I'm wrong, correct me, but I've always heard that it was Italian Immigrants in the U.S. that made "pizza" (Italian for "pie"), as a way of eating staples (meat, cheese, vegies) when they didn't have enough for a regular meal.

budderdudder

Gareth, Robin and Michael?? Why do you argue that you have never heard of Sbarro in the UK. WHERE is it in the question ANYTHING ABOUT THE UK? Especially to Michael Fulthorpe, find another Trivia site!

Rachel Weatherby

Not sure if we still have in Houston TX or not. They were popular in malls for awhile!

elizawheeler

The best pizza in the United States is found in Chicago. The pan pizza there is a beautiful slice of heaven:)

catmom

Johnny Rock, I do.

catmom

Don Racette, So do I.

catmom

William Laughlin, I agree with you. Thsts why I don't complain or submit questions. This is supposed to be fun, informative, etc etc.

catmom

William Laughlin, This is why I don't complain or submit questions for that reason. I agree with you. I also don't like when people are very negative, mean, etc etc. This should be fun, informative, etc.