Sbarro's founding (1956)
Neapolitan immigrants Gennaro and Carmela "Mama" Sbarro opened an Italian salumeria in New York. Mama Sbarro's pizza slices became a hit with shift workers, pushing the family to pivot the business.
The family converted the shop into a pizza and Italian fast-food operation.
The company grew into a global franchise with more than 800 locations across 27 countries.
Explains how Sbarro became a franchise brand, which is why a local franchisee like LV Petroleum can open branded locations such as the one planned at Charleston Blvd.
