Biting into a warm, cheesy slice of pizza is truly what life is all about. This tradition of pizza perfection started in 1954 when Sam Perrella – or Grandpa Sam – opened the first Sammy’s Pizza in Keewatin MN (on the Iron Range in northeastern MN).

His inspiration for launching Sammy’s Pizza materialized after World War II when soldiers were coming back and telling stories of the delicious pizza they had tried in Italy. Sam Perrella then went to Chicago to visit some pizza makers and came back ready to start Sammy’s Pizza. After three years of great success, Sammy’s Pizza was opened in Eau Claire by Grandpa Sam himself in 1957.

In 1971 the Eau Claire Sammy’s was purchased by the Jerulle Family and continues to be owned and operated by Jim Jr. and wife Tammy (3rd generation). They wouldn’t be able to continue the tradition without a 4th generation of loyal customers fueled by a loyal staff (one who’s been with Sammy’s over 40 years!).