Carpenetti’s
in Moody
Claims Title Of
Bama’s Best Pizza
Frank Carpenetti is a machinist-turned-pizzeria owner whose hand-tossed pies took the title of Bama’s Best Pizza.
By Marlee Moore n the quest for Bama’s Best Pizza, a trio Icrusty of judges discovered saucy, cheesy, pie perfection worthy of the title at Carpenetti’s Pizzeria in Moody. Owner Frank Carpenetti and family earned bragging rights in the contest, in addition to a plaque and cash prize. The Bama’s Best Pizza winner will also be featured on “Simply Southern TV” Season 7. Contest sponsors were the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) and Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Division — whose members grow ingredients that make pizza possible. “It’s just awesome,” Carpenetti said. “It’s like winning the Super Bowl. I want to thank all my customers and everyone who voted for me. I was on pins and needles before the announcement.” Carpenetti, whose grandfather Americus Carpenetti came to New York from Italy, grew up on a dairy farm. His
4
|
NEIGHBORS
|
March/Spring 2021
Carpenetti’s Pizzeria in Moody claimed the title of Bama’s Best Pizza after judges sampled Frank Carpenetti’s classic recipes Jan. 29. Judges were Sweet Grown Alabama’s Ellie Watson, AFVGA President Joe Lambrecht and Simply Southern TV co-host Mary Wilson. From left are Watson; April and Mikey Carpenetti; Brandon Barnett; Beth and Frank Carpenetti; Lambrecht; Frankie Carpenetti; and Wilson.
job as a machinist drew Carpenetti to Alabama, where life pushed him toward pizza. Carpenetti’s Pizzeria will celebrate its 24th anniversary Aug. 7. “We ate pizza all the time growing up, but I never made a pizza for anyone until I opened the restaurant,” Carpenetti said. “I’m here at 6 every
morning, and I lock the door at night. I love it. You gotta love it.” The restaurant’s décor evokes old-world warmth with red checked tablecloths, red and brick walls with painted ivy, and a logo paying homage to “The Sopranos” (complete with a handgun-shaped “r”). alfafarmers.org
