Frank Pepe’s Pizza Napoletana recently announced that it will be opening a new Westport location next summer, expanding the Connecticut pizzeria to another town in Fairfield County.
The new restaurant is set to open at 361 Post Road West in the White Birch Center, moving into the space formerly occupied by The Naan. The new addition will be the company’s ninth restaurant in Connecticut, and 18th restaurant overall. The company plans to begin construction in early 2026, preparing the space for its summer opening. Countless Westport residents are excited for this new addition, including many Staples students.
“I think it’s pretty cool, it’s probably the best pizza in my opinion,” Oscar Willis ’28 said.
The New Haven born business, which recently celebrated its 100th year anniversary, remains family owned and operated. The infamous restaurant has received numerous awards, including The Guardian’s 2009 title of “Best Pizza on Earth.” With its strong reputation and growing locations across Connecticut, some are beginning to wonder how the new restaurant might influence both Westport’s pizza scene and its competition with other towns.
“I think it’s definitely going to bring a lot more business to Westport just because it’s so popular,” Emma Asiel ’26 said. “I wonder how that’s going to bring competition between us and Fairfield, but I definitely look forward to trying it.”
The new location is 3,529 square feet, and will include 90 seats for dining guests along with an area for take-out. The restaurant’s design will be inspired by the original New Haven location. With many of its fans here in Westport, the new location will offer a closer option for those who have traveled to other towns for Pepe’s.
“Me and my family go there a lot, so it will be nice to have a location that’s closer to us,” Dylan Deren ’28 said.
