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Description
The Zuppardi sisters, Cheryl and Lori, are the heart and soul of one of Connecticut’s most treasured pizza institutions, Zuppardi’s of West Haven. The celebrated siblings will join Colin Caplin—author and co-curator of the “Pronounced Ah-Beetz” exhibition at the New Haven Museum (NHM)—for a behind-the-scenes conversation on family history, business, their accomplishments, during “A Slice of Zuppardi’s: Family, History & Apizza,” on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. Free with regular museum admission (pay at the door). The program is the latest “Monthly Slice” series at NHM.
Cheryl and Lori’s grandfather, Domenico Zuppardi, came to the United States from Maori, Italy, and opened a bread bakery in West Haven in 1934. Passing the business on to his son, who shifted the focus from bread to pizza, a legendary Connecticut tradition was born. The sisters have carried it on to a new generation.
Today, the sisters remain at the center of this extraordinary family business. Their family tradition has grown to include two pizzerias, two pizza trucks, and a booming frozen-pizza operation, all while keeping the spirit—and the flavor—of Zuppardi’s alive. “There's a reason why so many rank Zuppardi's Apizza as one of the best in Connecticut,” Caplan says. “Join us for a night of great stories guaranteed to stimulate both the intellect and the appetite!”
About Colin Caplan
Caplan is an entrepreneur, architect, author, historian, educator and tour operator running “Taste of New Haven” food tours and events, Elm City Party Bike and Paddle Pub party boats, and tour operations in Florida. He is author of six books on New Haven history, including “Pizza in New Haven,” and a National Historic Register consultant. Previously he was a visiting professor at Wesleyan University. Caplan is also a film and media producer. His credits include the documentary “Pizza, A Love Story,” and “Slice of America.”
Caplan spearheaded declaring New Haven the Pizza Capital of the United States and making Connecticut “The Pizza State.” He continues to help build and raise his native Elm City through teaching students, researching and writing history and providing opportunities to communities, businesses and residents through grants and events. He also has been trying to make pizza the official state food of Connecticut. His latest endeavors include creating the Connecticut pizza license plates, holding the Guinness World Record title for “largest pizza party” in 2025 and co-curating the New Haven Museum exhibition, “Pronounced Ah-Beetz” at the New Haven Museum.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission all year. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Date & Time
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Venue Details
New Haven Museum
114 Whitney AvenueNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
