Papa Gino's

Papa Gino's, Inc. is a restaurant chain based in Dedham, Massachusetts specializing in American-style pizza along with pasta, subs, salads, and a variety of appetizers. There are over 150 Papa Gino's locations in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

History

Papa Gino's originated in East Boston, Massachusetts as a single location named "Piece O' Pizza," which opened in 1961. In 1968, the owners, Helen and Michael Valerio, changed the name to "Papa Gino's" and began expanding the business to multiple locations.

In 1997 Papa Gino's bought D'Angelo Sandwich Shops, another Massachusetts-based fast-food outlet, specializing in sandwiches, from prior owner Yum! Brands (then known as Pepsico Inc.'s Pizza Hut unit).

Plans for expansion beyond New England were announced in early 2005, with franchisees securing the rights to develop locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida. A few months later, executives of the holding corporation bought out the company.