master-cooks | Who Actually Created The First Frozen Pizza?

The origin of the first frozen pizza is a bit of a culinary mystery, shrouded in multiple claims from various individuals and companies. While no single person can be definitively credited with its invention, several key players emerged in the 1950s as pioneers in bringing frozen pizza to the masses. One of the earliest known producers was the Celentano Brothers, who began selling frozen pizzas in the northeastern United States during the early 1950s. Around the same time, Totino's, founded by Rose and Jim Totino, gained popularity for their pizza parlors in Minneapolis before venturing into frozen foods. In 1962, the Totinos introduced their frozen pizza line, which quickly became a household staple. Another significant contributor was the Tombstone Pizza brand, established in 1962 by Pep Simek in Medford, Wisconsin, which became known for its tavern-style pizza. Each of these early entrepreneurs capitalized on the post-war boom in home freezers and the growing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals. Despite the lack of a singular inventor, the combined efforts of these innovators transformed frozen pizza from a novelty into a ubiquitous and beloved food item found in grocery stores across the United States and eventually around the world.

A fight for the first national supermarket brand

The real debate over the invention of frozen pizza centers on those who assert they created the first national frozen pizza brand available in supermarkets. The main competitors in this contest are Totino's, Tombstone, and Celentano Brothers. Although there is little documented evidence, many have declared Celentano Brothers from Newark, New Jersey, the victor, claiming that its nationally-distributed frozen pizza line was introduced in 1957. This company, which evolved from the family's specialty food store, was sold to Rosina Food Products of Buffalo in 2000, leading to the discontinuation of its pizza line.

The two remaining contenders, Totino's and Tombstone, both launched their frozen pizzas in 1962. Rose and Jim Totino began their line after successfully operating a pizza shop and restaurant. In 1975, Pillsbury acquired the company, making Rose the first female corporate vice president. Pillsbury was later purchased by General Mills. Tombstone shares a similar Midwest background. After Joe Simek found success selling pizzas from his bar, Tombstone Tap, in Medford, Wisconsin, he began selling frozen pizzas from his car. Today, Tombstone is owned by Kraft Heinz.

Over the years, frozen pizza has certainly evolved. For those seeking extra crispiness, baking frozen pizza in a backyard pizza oven is an option. Enhancing your pizza with fresh ingredients like extra cheese, tomatoes, and vegetables can take it to the next level. You can even find frozen pizzas made in Naples, the birthplace of pizza.

Who Actually Created The First Frozen Pizza?

A fight for the first national supermarket brand

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