This article was inspired by content originally published on Lebomag
Introduction
When Brooklyn’s cult-favorite F&F Pizzeria announced it’s opening its first location outside New York City right in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania the news turned plenty of heads. As Mt. Lebanon Magazine recently reported, this isn’t just about more slices in the East End. It’s about a growing appetite for region-crossing pizza styles, a rebirth of community-centered shops, and a fresh opportunity for everyone in the pizza ecosystem to step up their game.
Why Should Pizza Lovers Care?
F&F is not your average franchise chain. It’s the brainchild of Frank Pinello (of Williamsburg’s Best Pizza) and the Frankies Spuntino team two Brooklyn brands that put quality ingredients, naturally fermented dough, and a neighborhood vibe ahead of expansion-at-all-costs.
By picking Mt. Lebanon for its first out-of-NYC outpost, F&F is sending a message: pizza culture doesn’t have to be big-box corporate. It can be local, passionate, and fiercely authentic no matter the zip code.
Pizza Pro Tip for Enthusiasts: Want to replicate that naturally leavened crust at home? Try your hand at a slow, cold fermentation method for better texture and tang. It’s easier than you think just give yourself an extra 24–48 hours for the dough to work its magic.
Local Ingredients, Local Impact
F&F’s move is a gift to Pittsburgh-area suppliers. A shop that prioritizes premium flour, fresh mozzarella, and regionally sourced toppings can be a steady client for local dairies, mills, and farms. But the real opportunity is in helping smaller shops meet the same standard.
Trend Insight: More indie pizzerias want traceable, high-quality ingredients that connect them to their community. If you’re a supplier, highlight your local roots, offer flexible order sizes, and help shops tell the story behind what’s on their pies.
Shop Owners: The Art of Small-Batch Success
What can a family-run pizza shop learn from a celebrated Brooklyn slice shop making a leap? Plenty.
1. Keep It Focused
F&F’s charm is its tight menu. They don’t overload you with toppings they perfect the dough, sauce, and cheese first. This lowers waste, simplifies training, and lets you charge a fair price for true quality.
2. Celebrate Your Neighborhood
Mt. Lebanon is walkable and tight-knit, much like Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens. It’s no accident F&F picked a spot with foot traffic and a community feel. Wherever you are, lean into your neighborhood’s vibe. Sponsor local events, host pizza-making nights, or launch a collab with the butcher down the street.
3. Tech Can Be Artisan Too
Don’t dismiss the digital side. From online ordering to contactless POS, the right tools keep your artisan shop running smoothly.
Hypothetical Expert Take: “Quality Travels Well”
“A lot of people ask if you can recreate a beloved NYC slice somewhere else,” says a fictional industry consultant who has advised multi-city expansions. “If the owners stay true to the craft long-fermented dough, great tomatoes, simple toppings and they source local where it makes sense, that authenticity travels. It’s not about cloning the Brooklyn experience; it’s about translating the ethos.”
For the At-Home Pizza Fan
Pittsburgh already has its fair share of pizza identity, from square-cut pies to hearty Sicilian trays. F&F’s arrival might just inspire home cooks to experiment. Why not mash up the best of both? Bake a thick, crispy grandma-style pie but top it with classic Brooklyn toppings: fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella, and a drizzle of hot honey.
Final Slice
F&F’s Pittsburgh debut reminds us that pizza is bigger than trends it’s a conversation between neighborhoods, ingredients, and people who care about what they eat. For pizza lovers, it’s a new pie to savor. For suppliers, it’s a chance to get local ingredients into the spotlight. And for shop owners, it’s proof that focusing on craft and community can turn a single slice into a movement.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on Lebomag. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.
