Food+Drink

It's Official: Sammy's Pizza Is in the Hall of Fame

Katie Robertson, photos by Thresa Zvolena |

For decades, Sammy’s Pizza has been a living legend in Eau Claire and across the Midwest; now, it’s literally a member of the Pizza Hall of Fame. In 2005, PQM Pizza Magazine – a pizza industry publication – began placing pizzerias into the Hall of Fame, with Lombardi’s Pizza in New York becoming the first inductee on the business’s 100th anniversary. In order to be eligible for the hall of fame, a pizzeria must have been in business for at least 50 years, must be still be in operation, and must be known as a cornerstone of its community. Sammy’s Pizza has been baking pies to perfection since 1954, and they still delight crowds with their delicious pizza recipes in 14 locations across the Midwest. Sammy Perrella and his wife, Louise, founded the first Sammy’s Pizza in Hibbing, Minn.; just three years later, in 1957, they established a location in Eau Claire. Perrella’s friend Nick Jerulle bought the restaurant in 1971, and the pizzeria has since moved from its original home on Barstow Street to London Road, but it has stayed in the Jerulle family. Check out the award-winning establishment for yourself, and enjoy anything from a traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza to the Super Supreme, which comes with literally all of the toppings that they have!