Poppa's Pizza, a Dunedin pizza parlor near the University of Otago, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Established around February or March 1975 by two Italian brothers who were former university students, the restaurant has maintained its original recipes and menu (with the recent addition of a vegan option).
The current owner, Daljeet "DJ" Singh, emphasizes the emotional connection customers have with the restaurant, noting that some have been patrons for nearly 40 years. He highlights the importance of the university's student population to the restaurant's success.
The restaurant's long-standing success is attributed to its consistent quality, nostalgic atmosphere, and the enduring appeal of its classic recipes. Customers frequently share stories and memories associated with Poppa's Pizza, creating a strong sense of community and tradition.
Poppa's Pizza plans to continue its legacy by offering special promotions for customers, building upon its strong foundation and loyal customer base.
Poppa’s Pizza, located across the road from the University of Otago Central Library in Albany St, turned 50 recently.
Owner Daljeet "DJ" Singh, who took up sole ownership of the store in July last year, said he felt lucky to have taken up the reins of the business in time for the milestone.
The business was started by two Italian brothers who had once studied at the University of Otago, Mr Singh said.
While the original owners could not recall the exact date, they told him the shop opened in around February or March 1975.
The pizza parlour planned to mark the milestone with special promotions for customers, having already offered student-exclusive deals last week, Mr Singh said.
Lots of memories were associated with Poppa’s Pizza and people were emotionally attached to it, he said.
Some customers were still buying pizzas from them nearly 30 or 40 years after completing their studies.
One even travelled from Christchurch every month to buy a pizza, having once had a first date at the establishment as a student, he said.
"It's very emotional as well when I see people and they came with their grandchildren and they came with their old friends and they're just enjoying having pizzas here and sharing the stories with us.
"We feel like we preserve our history."
The city’s student population had played a "very important role" in the pizza parlour since its inception, Mr Singh said.
"And they love it.
"When they come into this shop, they see the orientation posters — especially the new students, the teenage people — and they are very happy."
He believed it was the oldest pizza parlour in the country, and it still resembled its look from 1975, he said.
The shop had also retained the same "secret recipe" for its pizza bases and sauce, which was passed down between owners, as well as the original menu of 17 pizzas — with the one exception of a vegan option introduced about a year ago, Mr Singh said.
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