Restaurant that introduced pizza to Texas investing in local community for long haul
It only took two-thirds of a century, but Campisi’s will finally be serving its famed oblong pizzas and other signature Italian fare in Fort Worth on Monday, April 22nd.
The newest Campisi’s – its ninth overall, but its first full-service restaurant west of Dallas County – is located at 6150 Camp Bowie Blvd.
A Dallas institution since its founding in 1946 – when it was credited with introducing pizza to Texas – the family-owned chain is now run by David Campisi, a member of the fourth generation.
“We have wanted to open a Fort Worth restaurant for as long as I can remember, but we were determined to wait until we were completely ready and found the right location in an established neighborhood,” said Campisi. “I’m very pleased to add to the vibrant Camp Bowie area and committed to investing in the local community just as we do in Dallas. We hope that over time, Fort Worth will embrace us as one of its own, too.”
The new 5,000-square-foot restaurant will serve Campisi’s signature thin-crust, Sicilian-style pizza in its trademark oblong shape, along with other favorites such as baked shrimp scampi, crab slaws and a wide array of pasta dishes accented by homemade sauces that have barely changed throughout the restaurant’s 67-year history.
“We’ve actually had a strong connection to this community for years since we buy most of our pastas from O.B. Macaroni here in Fort Worth,” said Campisi. “And we started supporting local charitable groups, schools, churches and youth sporting teams shortly after we leased the property.”
The new restaurant was originally slated to open in February, but various delays pushed the grand opening back to Monday. Campisi’s Fort Worth has seating for 140 guests.
“Hey, I’m no fool. I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to earn the loyalty of the good people of Fort Worth,” said Campisi. “But it’s not like we’re from New York City, or anything. We all speak the same language, share the same values and love great Italian food. Come on in and give us a try. I promise we’ll treat you right, charge you a fair price and serve you a meal you’ll remember fondly.”
Another popular Campisi’s tradition will continue in Fort Worth: “Community Partnership Nights,” in which 10 percent of sales are donated to a designated local school, will be scheduled on a regular basis.
Doors will officially open to the public for lunch at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 22nd. Regular hours of operation are daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Limited delivery, catering and online ordering at www.Campisis.us, or via phone at 817-916-4561, will also be offered at the Fort Worth location.
Founded in 1946 by Carlo “Papa” Campisi, an immigrant from Sicily, Campisi’s is credited with introducing “pizza pies” to Dallas and the state of Texas. Now a Dallas institution best known for its trademark “Egyptian Lounge” location on Mockingbird Lane, Campisi’s is now owned and operated by David Campisi, great-grandson of Papa. The chain, which now numbers nine restaurants including its newest location in Fort Worth, has won numerous local and national awards, including Best Pizza, Best Italian and Bon Appetite Magazine’s “One of the Best Pizzerias in America.”
For more information, visit www.Campisis.us.
