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For all of the events of historical significance that have happened in Springfield, one stands out for its ongoing impact on our daily lives. And that’s the introduction of pizza, something brand new and unusual in 1947… but now one of the most popular dining options available today.
The first recorded instance of pizza on local menus was at the Wonder Inn at 808 E. Washington, which offered “La Pizza” and promised that phone orders would be ready in 10 minutes. Within months, many bars and clubs were offering pizza.
The trend spread. Popular Italian restaurant Saputo’s Twins Corner downtown added pizza to the menu in 1952, and Vic and Marcy’s Tavern on Peoria Road started in 1953… it would eventually change its name to Vic’s Pizza. More pizza places followed, like Russell’s Drive-In on 31st Street, and Angelo’s Pizza. And some, like Gabatoni’s and Bernie’s and Betty’s, are still operating to this day.
Learn more about the delicious history of local pizza at SangamonLink, the official blog of the Sangamon County Historical Society… and get more Springfield history here each week in the Springfield History Minute.
