February 22, 2008
Pee Wee's Starts Rebuilding
Pee Wee's Pizza, a fixture on E. 14th Street for more than 50 years, has started rebuilding after it was gutted by a fire on September 5, 2006. The owner, Eddie Tarin, didn't have fire insurance and Tommy T's helped raise some money with a fundraiser three weeks after the fire. Tarin had worked at Pee Wee's as a cook before he purchased the business from the Caselli family, which started Pee Wee's in 1953.
THANK GOD! My prayers have been answered! I've been going to Pee Wee's since I was practically a baby (48 years ago). I remember Gino and his mom bustling around behind the counter. I was worried when they sold, but Eddie remained true to the original ways. Smart man, since it seemed to work for so long. Pee Wees had the BEST pizza around. Yes, better than Zachary's. Way better! I hope the recipe remains and that the new ovens can work the same magic. I'll always miss the naugahyde booths, the shingle siding, the collage of old photos, the dive-bar feel, but I'm just glad it's coming back. Hallelujah!!
Posted by: Mary at February 26, 2008 7:25 PM