Longtime Philadelphia restaurant icon Charlie’s Pizza is coming to Morrell Plaza, leasing 2,000 square feet to house a new location at the 103,000-square-foot shopping center at Frankford and Morrell avenues.
“The Original Charlie’s Pizzeria is a Philadelphia dining ‘institution,’ and Morrell Plaza – with its excellent demographics, attractive co-tenancy, and proximity to local healthcare facilities and institutes of higher education – is an ideal spot for the restaurant to expand its presence,” said vice president of leasing Sidney Singer. “We are thrilled to introduce a new dining element to the center – one that already has a loyal following and undoubtedly will be a tremendous draw.”
Family-owned and operated, Charlie’s Pizza is the third-oldest pizza business in Philadelphia, according to owner Don Vittorelli Jr., whose great-grandfather, Erminio Yacovetti, opened the original restaurant in 1946 on Rising Sun Avenue. About one decade later, three of Erminio’s children opened a second restaurant at 4300 Roosevelt Blvd., which will remain open.
Charlie’s pizza is served as a thin and crispy tomato pie with whole sliced mozzarella cheese placed underneath the sauce and toppings. Customers can choose a “mini” nine-inch personal pie in addition to the restaurant’s regular 14-inch and 16-inch offerings. The Morrell Plaza location will be open for lunch and dinner.
“Having proudly served Philadelphia for five generations, my family and I are excited to bring Charlie’s Pizza to Morrell Plaza,” said Vittorelli Jr. “In keeping with the tradition of our original stores on Rising Sun Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, patrons can enjoy our tomato pie for dine-in or carry out. This new location also will offer online ordering, and delivery will be available through various third-party services.” ••
