It's been five years since this photo was taken in 2011 and Cary Kemp's Pizzeria 22 is still going strong. The restaurant has more than doubled in size, taking over the space next door and has become a community fixture.
According to the Gallup organization 50% of small businesses fail within five years. They point out that the primary reason they either succeed or fail is the business owner. That means Cary Kemp, owner of Pizzeria 22 in the Admiral District is exceptional.
Thursday June 30 will mark their 5th Anniversary, which Kemp acknowledged is "a huge milestone in this business."
Fittingly they will be celebrating and Kemp offered, "In respect to our customers, family, and friends we will be offering $5 Margherita pizzas and glasses of wine all evening from 4pm-10pm."
It's been a story of success for Pizzeria 22 despite their somewhat off the beaten track location. They are tucked away on 4213 SW College Street and at first were in a narrow spot, somewhat reminiscent of pizzerias in Naples or Rome. When the space next door became available, they knocked a hole in the wall and expanded their dining area by more than double and business improved further.
In 2013, Kemp and Pizzeria 22 were honored when they were officially recognized by L’Association Verace Pizza Napolentana (VPN for short, “True Neapolitan Pizza” in English) as they joined 430 other pizzerias worldwide with the distinction. Around 150 of them are in Naples.
When Pizzeria 22 opened, Kemp said, "This is a place where the focus on the tradition of Neapolitan Pizza is taken very seriously. All of our ingredients are imported from Italy, from Naples. The Buffalo Mozzarella comes from Naples. There's inexpensive pizza and there's pizza where people use quality ingredients."
