When Rona opened the first Pepperona on East 10th Street in 1995, she wanted it to feel less like a restaurant and more like the neighborhood’s kitchen.
She learned people’s orders, kept an extra stool near the counter and never hurried anyone out. School kids came in with a handful of change. Musicians stopped by after soundcheck. Night-shift workers knew there would still be a hot slice waiting for them.
As Pepperona grew to three shops along the L train, that stayed the rule: good pizza, a fair price and a welcome for whoever walked through the door. Rona still says the best part of the business is watching strangers become regulars—and regulars become friends.
“Feed people well and give them somewhere to come back to.”
— Rona, head chef