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. 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. It can be reached from the intersection of North Broadway and East Menomonee Street. 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian

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Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clemens H. Kalvelage Warehouse (here, next to this marker); Steinkopf & Sons Tents & Awnings (a few steps from this marker); Third Ward Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); W. Toepfer & Sons, Iron Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Milwaukee Terminal Building (within shouting distance of this marker); O.R. Pieper Co. Grocers (within shouting distance of this marker); Wirth, Hammel and Co., Horse Stables (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.

Additional keywords. Restaurants

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, August 16, 2011

2. The Birth of Pizza in Milwaukee Marker

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 Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,331 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.