Sal’s Pizzeria closes after 66 years of serving Carroll Gardens community

Owner John Esposito said that the pizzeria was a neighborhood staple for 66 years and it was a labor of love.

News 12 Staff

Feb 26, 2023, 11:42 PM

Updated 449 days ago

Share:

A Carroll Gardens pizzeria that has been serving people since the 1950s closed its doors one last time on Sunday.
One by one, customers shuffled inside of Sal’s Pizzeria on Court Street, hoping to taste their favorite pizza one last time.
Owner John Esposito said that the pizzeria was a neighborhood staple for 66 years and it was a labor of love.
"It's just the age, and like I said, I've been here since I was a kid and I just want to do something a little different with my life than make pizzas 'til the very end," Esposito said.
Loyal customers were upset, but also supportive of Esposito's decision.
"It's a terribly sad day, [but] I'm thrilled for John. The man's been slaving in here forever. He's got a chance to enjoy the rest of his life and I'm very happy about it," said customer Jeff Alexander.
Customers like Alexander filled the pizza parlor for most of the day. Some left with slices while some others left with entire pies.
At the end of the day, Esposito said it was the community that kept them going as long as they could.
"I love everybody and I'm going to miss them so much. I don't know what else to say. I'm left speechless," Esposito reflected.
As for what's next, Esposito said he is ready to spend more time with his family.


More from News 12
1:38
Police: 1-year-old in critical condition, 2 drivers in custody following 2-car crash in Brownsville

Police: 1-year-old in critical condition, 2 drivers in custody following 2-car crash in Brownsville

1:45
Warmer today in New York City; high temperatures could reach 83

Warmer today in New York City; high temperatures could reach 83

1:59
Owner of legal marijuana shop: Illegal shops close during the day and open at night to avoid inspections

Owner of legal marijuana shop: Illegal shops close during the day and open at night to avoid inspections

Power & Politics: Ask Mayor Eric Adams

Power & Politics: Ask Mayor Eric Adams

1:34
East New York tenant in once-leaky apartment says the rodents have taken over

East New York tenant in once-leaky apartment says the rodents have taken over

1:46
Susan Sarandon, public advocate work in Dumbo restaurant to shine light on ‘One Fair Wage’ mission

Susan Sarandon, public advocate work in Dumbo restaurant to shine light on ‘One Fair Wage’ mission

2:06
Williamsburg building owner issued violation following partial roof collapse

Williamsburg building owner issued violation following partial roof collapse

1:44
Summer is in the air: Hot week ahead in New York City

Summer is in the air: Hot week ahead in New York City

0:23
NYPD: 2 men wanted for robbing 74-year-old man at gunpoint in Sheepshead Bay

NYPD: 2 men wanted for robbing 74-year-old man at gunpoint in Sheepshead Bay

0:16
NYPD: Man fatally shot in the head in East New York; suspect at large

NYPD: Man fatally shot in the head in East New York; suspect at large

1:54
Born to run: Brooklyn man diagnosed with rare disease is back doing what he loves

Born to run: Brooklyn man diagnosed with rare disease is back doing what he loves

1:39
NYPD: 2 armed robberies involving mopeds in Brooklyn believed to be connected

NYPD: 2 armed robberies involving mopeds in Brooklyn believed to be connected

1:58
Brooklyn residents say there is an urgent need for more birth options in NYC

Brooklyn residents say there is an urgent need for more birth options in NYC

1:47
NYPD: 30-year-old man fatally shot, another injured in Brownsville

NYPD: 30-year-old man fatally shot, another injured in Brownsville

1:43
‘Ride of Silence’ takes cyclists on ghost bike tour, honors victims of traffic accidents

‘Ride of Silence’ takes cyclists on ghost bike tour, honors victims of traffic accidents

1:00
FDNY firefighter injured during Bronx house fire released from hospital

FDNY firefighter injured during Bronx house fire released from hospital

1:38
Cyclists pedal through Brooklyn during Haitian Flag Day Ride & Fête

Cyclists pedal through Brooklyn during Haitian Flag Day Ride & Fête

1:45
 Missed swim lessons due to COVID-19 may be contributing to rise in child drownings

Missed swim lessons due to COVID-19 may be contributing to rise in child drownings

1:22
26,000+ runners take part in RBC Brooklyn Half

26,000+ runners take part in RBC Brooklyn Half

1:42
Bronx Week: Festivities wrap up with parade and food festival

Bronx Week: Festivities wrap up with parade and food festival