How Did All This Begin?
Our Story
It all started in a small town pizzeria.
Carmine’s Pizza & Italian Take Out — a cherished family-owned pizzeria nestled in the heart of Durham, CT. Since our inception in 2002, we’ve been serving up scrumptious, homemade pizza, subs, and meals crafted from the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. But how did this all begin?
Over 28 years ago, we moved to this charming town, carrying with us a deep-seated passion for exceptional pizza. It was a passion that had been kindled during my earlier days working at my uncle’s pizzeria in the bustling culinary scene of New Haven. That same fervor led us to realize our dream – a local pizza restaurant bearing the name of my beloved son, Carmine. The moment we opened our doors, it felt like destiny had brought us here.
Our journey took an unexpected turn during a beach vacation, where I decided to freeze some of our delectable pizzas for a quick, hassle-free homemade meal. The response was nothing short of remarkable. My kids, Francesca and Carmine, were so impressed with the taste and convenience that they suggested we make these frozen delights available to all. Thus, Carmine’s Frozen Pizza was born, an extension of the same high-quality pizzas that have graced our restaurant for two decades.
What sets our frozen pizzas apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity. Unlike other frozen options, our pizzas are not pre-cooked. You have the freedom to bake them to perfection, whether you prefer a light bake or a crispy, well-done crust. Each pizza is a labor of love, meticulously hand-pressed and crafted from scratch. From our dough and sauce to our hand-chopped and sliced fresh toppings, we leave no room for compromise.
Currently, our menu boasts an array of delectable flavors, including Vegan, Fresh Tomato, Basil & Garlic, Broccoli, Spinach and Ricotta, Pepperoni, Sausage, and Red Roasted Peppers. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, using only ingredients you’d find in your own kitchen. We take pride in maintaining full control of our pizza production process and refuse to rely on co-packers.
At Carmine’s, quality is non-negotiable. Our pizzas are made fresh daily, and we stand by what we create, enjoying it ourselves every day. We firmly believe that you won’t find a higher-quality frozen pizza anywhere else.
But it’s not just about the pizza. We are staunch advocates for supporting our local economy and family farms. Whenever possible, we source our ingredients, supplies, and services locally, refusing to cut corners at the expense of our community. This belief extends beyond our food to encompass non-food materials, such as our boxes and discs.
In the wise words of Chef Jamie Oliver, “Don’t worry if the food you bought begins to spoil, worry if it doesn’t.” At Carmine’s, we take this sentiment to heart, ensuring that every bite of our pizza is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and our deep-rooted love for authentic Italian flavors. We invite you to savor the difference for yourself and become a part of Carmine’s family, where passion and quality are the secret ingredients to our success.
— From The Carmines’ Family