LYNN ― It’s the season for giving back, and one local dining institution is celebrating a milestone by offering a delicious deal for its customers.
Fauci’s Pizza celebrated its 50th anniversary on Monday by having a special one-time deal, where customers received 50 percent off of a pizza of their choice. Calzones were half-priced as well.
Small pizzas were priced at $1.50 and large pizzas at $6.25. Additional toppings cost $1.75 each, with a two-pizza limit per customer.
Owner Jim Fauci says these prices are nearly identical to prices in 1971, when the business opened its doors to Lynn.
“My father used to run the place, along with my brother John and I,” said Fauci. “John’s retired now and I’m teaching my son to help run the place one day.”
Fauci says that he and his pizza are well known throughout the city, as he has served City Council members, school sporting events and parties. Halloween parties tend to be the busiest time for the restaurant, he added.
Fauci says he created this one-time offer to express gratitude towards Lynn for over half a century of service.
“This is a one-day offer,” said Fauci. “It’s just a way of saying thank you to all our customers for all these years.”
Fauci said that one of the most challenging moments of his restaurant’s history was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March and May, Fauci had to shut down the store. He says that he was extra cautious during these two months due to lack of information on the virus, and knew that many of his customers were above the age of 50. Fauci worried about his health as well, as some customers did not wear a mask when entering the store.
“The pandemic was tough; we had to shut down for two months because people were not coming in masked,” said Fauci. “We worked through it though ― my help was still going to parties and events.”
Fauci reopened his business to the public in June 2020. He saw a steep increase in lines and waits during the summer. The business has stabilized since but Fauci acknowledges that some things have changed.
“We don’t get big parties anymore,” Fauci said, “Mostly Halloween parties, but things won’t be the same after the pandemic.”
Despite these changes, Fauci is optimistic for the new year. One project he wants to complete is to open a pizza truck. The idea was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic but he now sees next year as the best time to launch this project and expand his brand.
“I’m excited about this,” Fauci said with a smile.
