When I was young I never knew any other pizza then the pizzas made at DeJohn’s/Franzone’s Pizzeria. DeJohn’s was the original pizza shop located on the corner of DeKalb and 4th Streets in Bridgeport.
That location had a wonderful visual...the pie maker’s work station was front and center in the large corner windows, overlooking the busy Routes 202 and 23. I can still see the dough being thrown in the air by the pie maker! Such advertising!
Sometime in my youth that corner location was demolished because of the planning of a major highway in the area. And that pizza shop moved up a block and across the street, where the laundromat was, with a new name, Franzone’s. I do not know the details of why the name changed, but all I know is that pizza shop was a block closer to my home!
As time passed and I moved from the area, I realized a sweet sauce pizza is not a common thing. Actually I have never had that style hot pizza anywhere else. The best tomato pies I’ve had are made with a sweet sauce also, but that’s another story.
Fortunate for me, I manage to get back to my hometown at least once a year when I visit my parents’ graves and to share a pizza with my sister, who also enjoys this wonderful taste from our past.
If you are ever near Bridgeport, Montgomery County, say on your way to the King of Prussia Mall, treat yourself to a pizza at Franzone’s. And be sure to have a glass of birch beer to get the full local taste!
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