08/21/2026
Hello, I'm Nicholas Azzaro,
I'm the owner of the oldest tomato pie restaurant in the United States, Papa's Tomato Pies, which opened in 1912, by my grandfather, Joe (Giuseppe) Papa, who came from Grumo Nevano, Naples, Italy, where the tomato pie originated.
He started working at his brother-in-law, Dominick Pica's, restaurant, then opened his own pizza restaurant at the age of 16 in Trenton, NJ, in an area known as Chambersburg, which was 70% Italian.
Chambersburg had many small restaurants and bars and at 2:00 A.M., people would come to Papa's after the bars closed.
We stayed open until 3:00 A.M., seven days a week, where many of the people would come to continue their night life.
I've been working at Papa's, off and on, since was 12 years old.
I've been the owner since 1987, and still own it today at the age of 79.
My many accolades over the years have ranked me at number one in New Jersey and the USA, depending on who was running the poll.
I've been in many videos, books, and newspapers; including the Sunday edition of the New York Times. Also, on a Cooking Channel's "Pizza Cuz" episode. The Barstool Pizza Review rated Papa's with a 9.1 and I got a complimentary call from vice president, Mike Pence, when he was in office.
I've had thousands of customers, many of whom have become personal friends and who return often to enjoy the companionship and the food I've had many great workers over the years who have helped me maintain my business. Many of those workers went on to become fire chiefs, captains and lieutenants in the police department, and city clerks and politicians. They know who they are. I thank them for their work.
My current staff, managed by my cousins Mike and Denise Azzaro, continues to maintain the quality and high standards that I require.
We moved from 802 Chambers Street, Trenton, NJ, to 19 Main Street,
Robbinsville, NJ, in 2013, where we are currently located.
Thanks to the women, Maria Mauceri, Jennifer, and Michelle, who helped me make the move to Robbinsville.
And a special thanks to Mike Hardwick.
Yours truly,
Nick Azzaro
P.S.There is no difference between a pizza and a tomato pie. Back in the sixties, the neon sign makers charged by the letter.
Pizza simply has fewer letters than tomato pies!
13 years in Robbinsville brings us to 114 years in business! We appreciate each and everyone of you ❤️
