Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Birth of Pizza in Milwaukee
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, August 16, 2011
1. The Birth of Pizza in Milwaukee Marker
Inscription.
The Birth of Pizza in Milwaukee. . From the street level restaurant of a narrow three-story building that was next to and south of here, pizza was introduced and popularized in Milwaukee. The Caradaro Club (combining the founders' family names "John CARAvella" and "Joe ToDARO") opened in 1945 when World War II was ending and pizza was finding its way into the United States. Joe and Agatha Todaro developed a recipe that called for thin crust and was served in rectangular shape. Their marketing technique - handing out pizza slices on Milwaukee's downtown streets - was an allure that soon self-perpetuated. The Caradaro Club's popularity permeated the region and its facade frequently restrained lines of expectant patrons. The Caradaro secret recipe remained an attraction for 25 years after which the Todaros retired from restaurateuring and sold the Caradaro Club. The new owners kept it there until a fire destroyed the building in 1978.
From the street level restaurant of a narrow three-story building that was next to and south of here, pizza was introduced and popularized in Milwaukee. The Caradaro Club (combining the founders' family names "John CARAvella" and "Joe ToDARO") opened in 1945 when World War II was ending and pizza was finding its way into the United States. Joe and Agatha Todaro developed a recipe that called for thin crust and was served in rectangular shape. Their marketing technique - handing out pizza slices on Milwaukee's downtown streets - was an allure that soon self-perpetuated. The Caradaro Club's popularity permeated the region and its facade frequently restrained lines of expectant patrons. The Caradaro secret recipe remained an attraction for 25 years after which the Todaros retired from restaurateuring and sold the Caradaro Club. The new owners kept it there until a fire destroyed the building in 1978.
Erected 2000.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 43° 1.879′ N, 87° 54.429′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in the Historic Third Ward. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Broadway and East Menomonee Street
Click or scan to see this page online
. Broadway is not a through street at this point; you must park and walk to the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 143 North Broadway, Milwaukee WI 53202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Marker is located in the middle of the two buildings.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 697 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
