This article was inspired by content originally published on PGHpizza
Introduction
When two pizza pros from Brooklyn decide to plant a new flag in Pittsburgh, you know it’s more than just another slice shop opening it’s a sign of how America’s regional pizza scenes are colliding, cross-pollinating, and innovating.
A recent piece on PGH Pizza reveals that the founders of F&F Pizzeria Frank Pinello (Best Pizza) and the team behind Frankies Spuntino are expanding to Pittsburgh’s East End. For pizza enthusiasts, local suppliers, and independent shop owners, their move offers inspiration and practical takeaways worth chewing on.
Brooklyn Meets Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh isn’t exactly short on great pies from classic square-cut tavern slices to the city’s love of Sicilian-style thick crust. But the buzz around F&F Pizzeria’s entry is all about what happens when you combine Brooklyn’s cult-following style with a neighborhood that’s hungry for new tastes.
Pizza Pro Tip: The best pizza cities borrow shamelessly and that’s good for everyone. If you run a shop, think about what you can adapt from other regions. For example, F&F is known for its naturally fermented dough and a focus on top-tier ingredients.
Enthusiasts, you can try your hand at the Brooklyn-style crust at home too. All you need is great flour, the right fermentation technique, and patience.
Stand Out with Craft, Not Just Toppings
The F&F founders aren’t reinventing the wheel they’re perfecting it. By sticking to a focused menu and the best possible dough, they’ve built loyalty that crosses state lines.
Key Takeaway: In an era when chains can undercut you on price, indie shops should double down on craftsmanship.
Consider:
Slow-fermented dough for depth of flavor
Local or heritage toppings
A compelling story your customers can share
What This Means for Suppliers
For suppliers, the F&F expansion hints at new demands: better flour, high-quality cheeses, and local produce that complements an artisan approach. Regional farms and distributors in Western PA stand to benefit if they can meet the exacting standards that brands like F&F expect.
Local Lessons
The biggest lesson in this expansion story? Good pizza transcends hype when it feels personal. F&F’s founders didn’t just drop a New York concept in Pittsburgh they chose a neighborhood with foot traffic, a vibrant community, and an appetite for fresh flavors.
A Hypothetical Expert Take: “If you’re eyeing a new location, do what F&F did: walk the block, meet the people, learn what they crave,” says a pizza consultant who’s helped indie shops thrive beyond their hometowns.
And for our home pizza geeks? Pittsburgh’s evolving scene is an invitation to try new styles in your own oven. Ever made a hybrid grandma/Brooklyn pie at home? This might be your next weekend project.
Final Slice
As F&F Pizza sets up in Pittsburgh, it’s more than an address change it’s a masterclass in how thoughtful growth, quality, and local connection can keep the pizza world deliciously dynamic.
Whether you’re a backyard pizzaiolo, a supplier growing your reach, or a neighborhood shop with big dreams, the lesson is simple: keep evolving, keep your dough game strong, and never underestimate a hungry neighborhood.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on PGHpizza. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.
