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{{Short description|American pizzeria chain}}
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{{About|the American food chain|the Swiss automobile producer|Sbarro (automobile)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}}
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{{about|the American food chain|the Swiss automobile producer|Sbarro (automobile)}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Sbarro LLC
| name = Sbarro, LLC
| logo = [[File:Sbarro logo.png|200px]]
| logo = Sbarro LLC logo.svg
| logo_size = 140px
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| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| logo_caption = Sbarro logo used since 2015
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| key_people = Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro (founders) <br />J. David Karam [[CEO]] and [[President]]
| industry = Food
| image =
| image_caption =
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| products = [[Italian-American cuisine]], [[pizza]], [[pasta]], [[salad]]s
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| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| foundation = [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.<br />({{start date and age|1956}})
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| key_people = Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro (founders) <br />J. David Karam ([[CEO]] and [[President (corporate title)|President]])
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| location = [[Columbus, Ohio]], U.S.
| industry = [[Fast food restaurant]]
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| locations = Over 800
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| products = [[Italian-American cuisine]], pizza, pasta, salads
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.sbarro.com/|www.Sbarro.com}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1956}}<br />[[Brooklyn, New York]], U.S.
| founders = Gennaro Sbarro<br />Carmela Sbarro
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| location = [[Columbus, Ohio]], U.S.
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| locations = 600+
| homepage = {{official URL}}
| revenue = $185,000,000
(2021 Domestic; excl. Canada)
}}
}}


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'''Sbarro, LLC''' is an American [[fast food restaurant]] that specializes in [[New York-style pizza|New York–style pizza]] sold [[Pizza by the slice|by the slice]] and other [[Italian-American cuisine]]. In 2011, the company was ranked 15th in foreign sales among U.S.-based quick-serve and fast-casual companies by ''QSR Magazine''.<ref>[http://www.qsrmagazine.com/content/global-30?sort=non_us_sales&dir=desc 2011 non-U.S. system wide sales] Retrieved July 11. 2015</ref> In 2008, Sbarro was rated the No. 1 Quick Service Restaurant in the Italian segment by ''[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]]'' magazine. However, diners and critics have criticized the quality of the food,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cole|first=Marine|url=http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2014/07/02/11-Worst-Fast-Food-Restaurants-America|title=11 Worst Fast Food Restaurants in America|work=The Fiscal Times|access-date=2018-08-04|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Peters|first=Justin|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2011/05/sborring.html|title=The state of Sbarro: America's least essential restaurant.|work=Slate Magazine|date=May 4, 2011 |access-date=October 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://consumerist.com/2014/07/02/sbarro-is-the-worst-fast-food-chain-in-america-because-its-food-isnt-fresh/ Fast food chain] consumerist.com/2014/07/02</ref> with some suggesting a link between food quality and the company's two bankruptcies.<ref>[https://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/this-is-the-real-reason-sbarro-is-in-bankruptcy/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1 Sbarro is in bankruptcy] economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/</ref>
'''Sbarro, LLC''' is a chain of [[list of pizza chains|pizzeria]] that specializes in [[New York style pizza]] by the slice and other [[Italian-American cuisine]].
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Sbarro has over 600 locations in 28 countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbarro.com/about/|title=About Sbarro - Get the Story Behind the Slice|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> Sbarro stores are located in [[shopping mall]]s, [[airport]]s, [[Rest area|service areas]], and [[college]] [[campus]]es, as well as in [[The Pentagon]], American [[naval base]]s, and [[casino]]s.
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In 2011, the company was ranked 15th in foreign systemwide sales among U.S. based quick-serve and fast-casual companies by ''QSR Magazine''.<ref>[http://www.qsrmagazine.com/content/global-30?sort=non_us_sales&dir=desc 2011 non-U.S. systemwide sales] Retrieved July 11. 2015</ref> In 2008, Sbarro was rated the 1 Quick Service Restaurant in the Italian segment by ''[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]]'' magazine. It has held this title multiple times over the years. {{citation needed|date=July 2015}} Not all reports are positive, as the food quality has been criticized,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2011/05/sborring.html|title=The state of Sbarro: America's least essential restaurant.|work=Slate Magazine|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://consumerist.com/2014/07/02/sbarro-is-the-worst-fast-food-chain-in-america-because-its-food-isnt-fresh/ Fast food chain] consumerist.com/2014/07/02</ref> with a suggestion that this was the major factor that led to two bankruptcies.<ref>[http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/this-is-the-real-reason-sbarro-is-in-bankruptcy/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1 Sbarro is in bankruptcy] economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/</ref>
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Sbarro has over 800 locations in 33 countries.[https://www.sbarro.com/about/] Sbarro stores are located in [[shopping mall]]s, [[airport]]s, [[Rest area|service areas]], and [[college campus]]es. Sbarro has locations in [[The Pentagon]], American [[naval base]]s and [[casino]]s.


== History ==
== History ==

=== 20th century ===
=== 20th century ===
Sbarro was founded in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro. The couple and their three sons, Joseph, Mario, and Anthony immigrated to America from [[Naples]], [[Italy]]. The same year, the Sbarro family opened their first salumeria (an Italian grocery store) at 1701 65th Street and 17th Avenue in [[Bensonhurst]], [[Brooklyn, New York]], which became popular for its fresh food and [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] fare.{{cn|date=October 2015}} Its original location closed down in 2004.
Sbarro was founded in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro. The couple and their three sons, Joseph, Mario, and Anthony, immigrated to America from [[Naples]], Italy. The same year, the Sbarro family opened their first [[salumeria]] (an Italian grocery store) at 1701 65th Street and 17th Avenue in [[Bensonhurst]], [[Brooklyn]], New York, which became popular for its fresh food and [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] fare.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} Its original location closed in 2004.


The success of the Sbarro Salumeria led to the opening of additional locations in the [[New York City]] metropolitan area. In 1970, Sbarro opened its first [[shopping mall|mall]]-based restaurant in Brooklyn's [[Kings Plaza Shopping Center]]. One of their busiest outlets was located in the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] mall.
The success of the Sbarro Salumeria led to the opening of additional locations in the [[New York City]] metropolitan area. In 1970, Sbarro opened its first [[shopping mall|mall]]-based restaurant in Brooklyn's [[Kings Plaza Shopping Center]]. One of their busiest outlets was one of two which were both located in the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]], with the busiest in the mall underneath the complex, while the other was at the observation deck on the South Tower.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McDowell |first=Edwin |date=1997-04-11 |title=At Trade Center Deck, Views Are Lofty, as Are the Prices |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/11/nyregion/at-trade-center-deck-views-are-lofty-as-are-the-prices.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> However, both outlets were destroyed during the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001.


The first Sbarro in the [[Philippines]] was opened in 1990. As of 2023, the nation currently has 56 stores.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sbarro |url=https://sbarro.ph/about-us |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=sbarro.ph}}</ref>
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===21st century===
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{{see also|Sbarro restaurant suicide bombing}}
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In early 2007, Sbarro was acquired by [[MidOcean Partners]], a [[private equity]] firm with offices in New York and London.<ref>{{cite web|title=History |work=Sbarro, Inc.|url=http://www.sbarro.com/aboutUs/history.php }}</ref>


[[File:A Sbarro restaurant at Union Station in Washington, D.C.jpg|thumb|A Sbarro restaurant at [[Washington Union Station|Union Station]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]]]
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The company filed for [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] protection on April 4, 2011 in the [[United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Sbarro Chapter 11 Petition|url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/view/QPYCXHA/Sbarro_LLC__nysbke-14-10557__0049.0.pdf|website=PacerMonitor|publisher=PacerMonitor|accessdate=9 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kary |first=Tiffany |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-04/sbarro-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-after-restaurant-chain-s-sales-slid.html |title=Sbarro, Mall Restaurant Chain, Seeks Bankruptcy Protection |publisher=Bloomberg |date=April 4, 2011 |accessdate=April 11, 2011}}</ref> At the time it was ranked by Pizza Today as the country's fifth largest pizza chain.<ref name="Karp">{{cite news| url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-pizza-trouble-20110411,0,6525994.story | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Gregory | last=Karp | title=Pizza restaurants feeling bite from consumer options | date=April 10, 2011}}</ref> It was the third largest pizza chain to declare bankruptcy in less than a year. Earlier [[Round Table Pizza]] (ranked #10) and [[Uno Chicago Grill]] (ranked #11) through its parent Uno Restaurant Holdings filed bankruptcy. Uno has reemerged.<ref name="Karp"/> In November 2011, Sbarro was granted court approval to emerge from bankruptcy under a plan requiring restructuring and ceding ownership to lenders; 25 sites were closed.<ref name=stych2011/>


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===21st century===
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In January 2012, [[James J. Greco]] was brought in as [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] and [[President]] of Sbarro to implement a turnaround plan as the company emerged from bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fastcasual.com/articles/james-greco-former-brueggers-ceo-joins-sbarro/|title=James Greco, former Bruegger's CEO, joins Sbarro|work=www.fastcasual.com|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref> Sbarro underwent a rebranding that included updating its pizza recipe, food offerings, and branding, as well as bringing high quality, fresh ingredients back to the forefront of the menu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qsrmagazine.com/reports/rise-fall-and-rise-sbarro|title=Sbarro Restaurant Company Fights Back From Bankruptcy - QSR magazine|work=qsrmagazine.com|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref> Sbarro's rebranding initiative featured handmade daily hand-stretched dough, 100% whole milk [[mozzarella]] and [[San Marino]] region tomato sauce on their New York-style pizzas.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/09/business/new-sbarro-pizza-recipe-to-drive-chains-turnaround-plans.html?_r=0</ref>
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In early 2007, Sbarro was acquired by [[MidOcean Partners]], a [[private equity]] firm with offices in New York and London.<ref>{{cite web |title=History |work=Sbarro, Inc. |url=http://www.sbarro.com/aboutUs/history.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810002227/http://www.sbarro.com/aboutUs/history.php |archive-date=August 10, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
[[File:Sbarro logo.svg|thumb|right|Other vertically aligned logo variant]]
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The company filed for [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] protection on April 4, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sbarro Chapter 11 Petition|url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/view/QPYCXHA/Sbarro_LLC__nysbke-14-10557__0049.0.pdf|website=PacerMonitor|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kary |first=Tiffany |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-04/sbarro-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-after-restaurant-chain-s-sales-slid.html |title=Sbarro, Mall Restaurant Chain, Seeks Bankruptcy Protection |publisher=Bloomberg |date=April 4, 2011 |access-date=April 11, 2011}}</ref> At the time it was ranked by Pizza Today as the country's fifth-largest pizza chain.<ref name="Karp">{{cite news| url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-pizza-trouble-20110411,0,6525994.story | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Gregory | last=Karp | title=Pizza restaurants feeling bite from consumer options | date=April 10, 2011}}</ref> It was the third-largest pizza chain to declare bankruptcy in less than a year. Earlier, [[Round Table Pizza]] (ranked no. 10) and [[Uno Chicago Grill]] (ranked no. 11), through its parent Uno Restaurant Holdings, filed bankruptcy. Uno has since emerged.<ref name="Karp"/>


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In November 2011, Sbarro was granted court approval to emerge from bankruptcy under a plan requiring restructuring and ceding ownership to lenders; 25 sites were closed.<ref name=stych2011/> In January 2012, [[James J. Greco]] was brought in as CEO of Sbarro to implement a turnaround plan as the company emerged from bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fastcasual.com/articles/james-greco-former-brueggers-ceo-joins-sbarro/|title=James Greco, former Bruegger's CEO, joins Sbarro|work=www.fastcasual.com|date=January 31, 2012 |access-date=October 20, 2015}}</ref> Sbarro rebranded, updating its pizza recipe, food offerings, and branding, and bringing fresh ingredients back to the forefront of the menu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qsrmagazine.com/reports/rise-fall-and-rise-sbarro|title=Sbarro Restaurant Company Fights Back From Bankruptcy - QSR magazine|work=qsrmagazine.com|date=July 2012 |access-date=October 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/09/business/new-sbarro-pizza-recipe-to-drive-chains-turnaround-plans.html?_r=0|title=New Sbarro Pizza Recipe to Drive Chain's Turnaround Plans|first=Stephanie|last=Strom|newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref>
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On March 15, 2012, Sbarro announced a franchise agreement with Upper Crust Foods Pvt. Ltd. to open restaurants in the [[India]]n state of [[Maharashtra]]. The franchisee will develop and operate the restaurants.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140210034002/http://sbarro.com/news/news.php?id=59 Sbarro - News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.franchiseindia.com/Sbarro-set-for-India-expansion-1512|title=Franchise India - Business Opportunities, Franchise Opportunities|work=franchiseindia.com|accessdate=January 18, 2017}}</ref> The first outlet opened in [[Chembur]], [[Mumbai]].<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/restaurant-review-panki-sbarro/story-iy6YummymtszMhSncQnicO.html Restaurant Review: Panki, Sbarro - Hindustan Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In July 2015 Sbarro announced that they planned to expand to 50 outlets in two years, from the 17 they had then.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Pizza Chain Sbarro to Raise Store Count to 50 in 2 Years - NDTV Food|url = http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/pizza-chain-sbarro-to-raise-store-count-to-50-in-2-years-783203|accessdate = July 21, 2015}}</ref>


[[File:Sbarro Restaurant in a Foodcourt..jpg|thumb|A Sbarro restaurant at a food court in [[Quezon City]], [[Philippines]]|left]]
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In March 2013, Sbarro announced that J. David Karam would be the next [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] and [[President]] of the company.<ref><Eaton, Dan (May 3, 2013) [http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2013/05/wendys-experience-helping-guide-new.html "Wendy’s experience helping guide new Sbarro CEO David Karam"] ''Columbus Biz Insider''</ref> In March of the following year, the company filed for [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] protection.
The first Sbarro in the [[Philippines]] was opened in 1990. As of 2023, the nation currently has 56 stores.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sbarro |url=https://sbarro.ph/about-us |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=sbarro.ph}}</ref>
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On March 15, 2012, Sbarro announced a franchise agreement with Upper Crust Foods Pvt. Ltd. to open restaurants in the Indian state of [[Maharashtra]]. The franchise will develop and operate the restaurants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/restaurant-review-panki-sbarro/story-iy6YummymtszMhSncQnicO.html|title=Restaurant Review: Panki, Sbarro|date=March 23, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> In July 2015, Sbarro announced that they planned to expand to 50 outlets in two years, from the 17 they had then.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Pizza Chain Sbarro to Raise Store Count to 50 in 2 Years - NDTV Food|url = http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/pizza-chain-sbarro-to-raise-store-count-to-50-in-2-years-783203|access-date = July 21, 2015}}</ref>


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In March 2013, Sbarro announced that J. David Karam would be the next CEO of the company.<ref><Eaton, Dan (May 3, 2013) [http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2013/05/wendys-experience-helping-guide-new.html "Wendy’s experience helping guide new Sbarro CEO David Karam"] ''Columbus Biz Insider''</ref> In March of the following year, the company again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
In 2014, the [[Fiscal Times]] listed Sbarro as the worst [[fast food]] [[restaurant chain]] in America.<ref>[http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2014/07/02/11-Worst-Fast-Food-Restaurants-America Fast food restaurant chain] thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2014/07/02/11</ref> In May 2015, [[Yahoo!]] Food featured Sbarro as the second-best pizza chain in America, among competitors [[Domino’s Pizza|Dominos]], [[Little Caesars]], [[Papa John's Pizza|Papa John’s]] and [[Pizza Hut]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/food/dominos-little-caesars-papa-johns-sbarro-and-118224557216.html|title=Dominos, Little Caesars, Papa John’s, Sbarro, and Pizza Hut: Which Pizza Is Best?|date=May 8, 2015|work=yahoo.com|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>


Sbarro announced on June 3, 2014 that they had exited from bankruptcy protection on June 2 based on a reorganization plan as approved by the court on May 19. 182 sites were closed and the company announced plans to move its headquarters from [[New York City]] to [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], [[Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160305001016/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sbarro-says-exited-bankruptcy-protection-165703403--finance.html|title=Sbarro says it exited bankruptcy protection|date=June 4, 2014|work=Yahoo Finance|archivedate=March 5, 2016}}</ref>
Sbarro announced on June 3, 2014, that they had exited from bankruptcy protection on June 2 based on a reorganization plan as approved by the court on May 19. One hundred and eighty-two locations were closed and the company announced plans to move its headquarters from [[New York City]] to [[Columbus, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sbarro-says-exited-bankruptcy-protection-165703403--finance.html |title=Sbarro says it exited bankruptcy protection |date=June 4, 2014 |work=Yahoo Finance |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305001016/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sbarro-says-exited-bankruptcy-protection-165703403--finance.html }}</ref>


In January 2015, Sbarro's logo changed from a design resembling the Italian national flag, to an outline of a pizza in red and green, with the words “NYC.1956” to recollect the establishment’s Brooklyn origins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nrn.com/fast-casual/sbarro-joins-fast-casual-pizza-race|title=Sbarro joins fast-casual pizza race|work=nrn.com|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref> The company is also remodeling many of its eateries, including locations at [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]]'s [[The Mall at Millenia|Mall at Millenia]], [[Grapevine Mills]] in [[Dallas]], and [[Dolphin Mall]] in [[Miami]]. In May 2015, Sbarro remade their company website to update their brand image with an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly format to make the site readable across all devices.
In January 2015, Sbarro's logo changed from a design resembling the Italian national flag, to an outline of a pizza slice in red and green, with the words "NYC.1956" to recollect the establishment's Brooklyn origins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nrn.com/fast-casual/sbarro-joins-fast-casual-pizza-race |title=Sbarro joins fast-casual pizza race |work=nrn.com |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322041428/http://nrn.com/fast-casual/sbarro-joins-fast-casual-pizza-race }}</ref>


In 2016, Sbarro had 318 locations in the U.S., less than half of 12 years earlier.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.eater.com/2016/5/6/11593764/sbarro-food-court-pizza|title=Is There Life After the Mall for Sbarro?|work=Eater|access-date=2018-02-25}}</ref> The decline of mall food courts and changing dietary choices among Americans are felt to be the major factors in Sbarro's regression.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/death-of-the-mall-food-court-2017-2|title=DEATH OF THE FOOD COURT: Iconic mall chains like Cinnabon, Sbarro, and Panda Express are transforming to survive|work=Business Insider|access-date=2018-02-25}}</ref>
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==Cucinova==
<gallery>
|Exterior of Cucinova in [[Cincinnati]].
|Interior of Cucinova in [[Cincinnati]].</gallery>
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In October 2013, Sbarro opened the first location of their fast-casual concept called Cucinova. The restaurants feature artisan [[Neapolitan pizza|Neapolitan-style]] pizzas made to order with fresh, high-end ingredients and baked in woodstone ovens in under three minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/10/14/new-fast-casual-pizza-concept-coming.html|title=New fast-casual pizza concept coming to Kenwood: EXCLUSIVE|date=October 14, 2013|work=Cincinnati Business Courier|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref> Guests may also find that there are made-to-order pasta bowls and salads at select locations. Cucinova has multiple locations in [[Ohio]] and [[Illinois]]. The first location opened on October 9, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/campbellsscoop/2014/09/22/cucinova-kenwood/16050433/|title=Italian restaurant Cucinova to open in Kenwood|date=September 22, 2014|work=Cincinnati.com|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>


== In the media ==
====Entering the UK market====
On November 5, 2020, Sbarro announced it had agreed a partnership with the [[EG Group]], a UK-based retail group, to enter the UK market, with the first store opening in EG’s Armada location in [[Birmingham]], [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sbarro enters UK market with EG Group partnership |url=https://sbarro.com/in-the-news/sbarro-enters-uk-market-with-eg-group-partnership/ |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Sbarro |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-06 |title=US pizzeria chain Sbarro enters the UK market |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/news/sbarro-pizza-uk-restaurant-eg-group-eurogarages |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=The Caterer |language=en}}</ref>{{Disputed inline|talk=Talk:Sbarro#UK Openings|date=November 2022}} As of June 22, 2022, Sbarro has 15 stores in the UK, 7 of which are located within the [[North West England|North West]] of [[England]]. It plans to expand its locations throughout 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-25 |title=Pizza chain Sbarro plans to open 100 restaurants in 2022 |url=https://www.verdictfoodservice.com/news/pizza-chain-sbarro-restaurants/ |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Verdict Food Service |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the 1985 film, ''[[Krush Groove]]'' features [[the Fat Boys]] at an all-you-can-eat Sbarro buffet, where they perform the rap, "All You Can Eat".<ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDPk6OQkpeI|title=Fat Boys - All you can eat|date=April 13, 2006|work=YouTube|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref> The film was shot at the Sbarro location on 49th Street and Broadway in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089444/?ref_=tttr_tr_tt|title=Krush Groove (1985)|author=app354|date=October 25, 1985|work=IMDb|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>


===Response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine===
[[The Office (U.S. TV Series)|''The Office'']] shows a Sbarro location in the season 2 episode [[Valentine's Day (The Office)|''Valentine's Day'']], when character Michael Scott visits New York City and spots a Sbarro, calling it his favorite New York pizza joint.<ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRgEeDR98X8|title=The Office - New York Slice!|date=November 2, 2013|work=YouTube|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>
During the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Sbarro Pizza refused to join the international community's [[Corporate responses to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|withdrawal from the Russian market]]. Research from [[Yale University]] that covered how companies were reacting to Russia's invasion identified Sbarro in the worst category of "Digging In", meaning "Defying Demands for Exit: companies defying demands for exit/reduction of activities". They received the lowest possible grade for continuing business as usual.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= Almost 1,000 Companies Have Curtailed Operations in Russia—But Some Remain |website= [[Yale School of Management]] |url=https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/almost-1000-companies-have-curtailed-operations-russia-some-remain |access-date= 26 May 2022}}</ref>


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==Pizza Cucinova==
In the seventh season of satirical-sitcom show ''[[30 Rock]]'', the episode ''[[Stride of Pride]]'' features a minor fictional character named Pizzarina Sbarro, the heiress to the Sbarro company, who is seeing [[Jack Donaghy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katherine-patke/30-rock-stride-of-pride-recap_b_1988135.html|title='30 Rock': 'Stride Of Pride' Recap|work=The Huffington Post|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>


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In October 2013, Sbarro opened the first location of their fast-casual concept called Pizza Cucinova. The restaurants featured [[Neapolitan pizza|Neapolitan-style pizzas]] made to order with fresh, high-end ingredients and baked in [[Wood-burning stove|woodstone ovens]] in under three minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/10/14/new-fast-casual-pizza-concept-coming.html|title=New fast-casual pizza concept coming to Kenwood: EXCLUSIVE|date=October 14, 2013|work=Cincinnati Business Courier|access-date=October 20, 2015}}</ref> Pizza Cucinova had multiple locations in [[Ohio]] and [[Texas]] before closing in 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=This Small, Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Closed All of Its Locations|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/small-fast-casual-pizza-chain-113212348.html|access-date=2021-08-02|website=www.yahoo.com|date=October 16, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Videogamedunkey featured Sbarro Pizza in his episode Sneak Mouse, as part of a ''Turkish'' commercial he edited. It states that the donkey from the commercial is produced by Sbarro.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvoYY2lpETs|title='Sneak Mouse'|author=Jason Gastrow|date=December 17, 2013|work=YouTube|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>

The 2015 film [[The Bronze (film)|''The Bronze'']], which premiered at the 2015 [[Sundance Film Festival]], shows the main character, Hope, bullying a friendly Sbarro employee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://variety.com/2015/film/festivals/sundance-film-review-the-bronze-1201412280/|title=‘The Bronze’ Film Review: Melissa Raunch Is World’s Grouchiest Gymnast - Variety|author=Peter Debruge|work=Variety|accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

* [[List of pizza chains of the United States]]
* [[List of pizza chains of the United States]]
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* [[Sbarro restaurant suicide bombing]]
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{{Portalbar|New York|Companies|Food}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=stych2011>{{Citation |last=Stych |first=Ed |publication-date=November 18, 2011 |accessdate=December 21, 2011
<ref name=stych2011>{{Citation |last=Stych |first=Ed |publication-date=November 18, 2011 |access-date=December 21, 2011
|title=Sbarro pizza gets court approval to exit bankruptcy |periodical=[[Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal]]
|title=Sbarro pizza gets court approval to exit bankruptcy |periodical=[[Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal]]
|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2011/11/18/sbarro-pizza-coming-out-of-bankruptcy.html?ana=e_pft }}</ref>
|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2011/11/18/sbarro-pizza-coming-out-of-bankruptcy.html?ana=e_pft }}</ref>
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website|http://www.sbarro.com/}}
*{{Officialwebsite|https://sbarro.com/}}


{{Pizza chains}}
{{Pizza chains}}
{{Fast-food chains of the United States}}
{{Fast-food chains of the United States}}
{{Restaurants in Israel}}
{{Restaurants in Ohio}}
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{{Portal bar|New York (state)|Companies|Food}}


[[Category:Companies based in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Companies based in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1956]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1956]]
[[Category:Multinational companies]]
[[Category:Multinational companies headquartered in the United States]]
[[Category:Pizza chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Pizza chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Pizza franchises]]
[[Category:Pizza franchises]]
[[Category:Pizzerias in New York City]]
[[Category:Fast casual restaurants]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Ohio]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Ohio]]
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[[Category:Restaurant chains in the United States]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2014]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2014]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in New York]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1956]]
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[[Category:Defunct restaurant chains in Israel]]
[[Category:Restaurants in Ohio]]
[[Category:Italian-American culture in New York City]]

Latest revision as of 02:15, 1 December 2024

This article is about the American food chain. For the Swiss automobile producer, see Sbarro (automobile).

Sbarro, LLC
Company typePrivate
IndustryFast food restaurant
Founded1956; 68 years ago (1956)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
FoundersGennaro Sbarro
Carmela Sbarro
HeadquartersColumbus, Ohio, U.S.
Number of locations
600+
Key people
Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro (founders)
J. David Karam (CEO and President)
ProductsItalian-American cuisine, pizza, pasta, salads
Revenue$185,000,000 (2021 Domestic; excl. Canada)
Websitesbarro.com Edit this at Wikidata

Sbarro, LLC is an American fast food restaurant that specializes in New York–style pizza sold by the slice and other Italian-American cuisine. In 2011, the company was ranked 15th in foreign sales among U.S.-based quick-serve and fast-casual companies by QSR Magazine.[1] In 2008, Sbarro was rated the No. 1 Quick Service Restaurant in the Italian segment by Entrepreneur magazine. However, diners and critics have criticized the quality of the food,[2][3][4] with some suggesting a link between food quality and the company's two bankruptcies.[5] Sbarro has over 600 locations in 28 countries.[6] Sbarro stores are located in shopping malls, airports, service areas, and college campuses, as well as in The Pentagon, American naval bases, and casinos.

History

[edit]

20th century

[edit]

Sbarro was founded in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro. The couple and their three sons, Joseph, Mario, and Anthony, immigrated to America from Naples, Italy. The same year, the Sbarro family opened their first salumeria (an Italian grocery store) at 1701 65th Street and 17th Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, which became popular for its fresh food and Italian fare.[citation needed] Its original location closed in 2004.

The success of the Sbarro Salumeria led to the opening of additional locations in the New York City metropolitan area. In 1970, Sbarro opened its first mall-based restaurant in Brooklyn's Kings Plaza Shopping Center. One of their busiest outlets was one of two which were both located in the World Trade Center, with the busiest in the mall underneath the complex, while the other was at the observation deck on the South Tower.[7] However, both outlets were destroyed during the September 11 attacks in 2001.

The first Sbarro in the Philippines was opened in 1990. As of 2023, the nation currently has 56 stores.[8]

A Sbarro restaurant at Union Station in Washington, D.C.

21st century

[edit]

In early 2007, Sbarro was acquired by MidOcean Partners, a private equity firm with offices in New York and London.[9]

Other vertically aligned logo variant

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 4, 2011.[10][11] At the time it was ranked by Pizza Today as the country's fifth-largest pizza chain.[12] It was the third-largest pizza chain to declare bankruptcy in less than a year. Earlier, Round Table Pizza (ranked no. 10) and Uno Chicago Grill (ranked no. 11), through its parent Uno Restaurant Holdings, filed bankruptcy. Uno has since emerged.[12]

In November 2011, Sbarro was granted court approval to emerge from bankruptcy under a plan requiring restructuring and ceding ownership to lenders; 25 sites were closed.[13] In January 2012, James J. Greco was brought in as CEO of Sbarro to implement a turnaround plan as the company emerged from bankruptcy.[14] Sbarro rebranded, updating its pizza recipe, food offerings, and branding, and bringing fresh ingredients back to the forefront of the menu.[15][16]

A Sbarro restaurant at a food court in Quezon City, Philippines

The first Sbarro in the Philippines was opened in 1990. As of 2023, the nation currently has 56 stores.[17] On March 15, 2012, Sbarro announced a franchise agreement with Upper Crust Foods Pvt. Ltd. to open restaurants in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The franchise will develop and operate the restaurants.[18] In July 2015, Sbarro announced that they planned to expand to 50 outlets in two years, from the 17 they had then.[19]

In March 2013, Sbarro announced that J. David Karam would be the next CEO of the company.[20] In March of the following year, the company again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Sbarro announced on June 3, 2014, that they had exited from bankruptcy protection on June 2 based on a reorganization plan as approved by the court on May 19. One hundred and eighty-two locations were closed and the company announced plans to move its headquarters from New York City to Columbus, Ohio.[21]

In January 2015, Sbarro's logo changed from a design resembling the Italian national flag, to an outline of a pizza slice in red and green, with the words "NYC.1956" to recollect the establishment's Brooklyn origins.[22]

In 2016, Sbarro had 318 locations in the U.S., less than half of 12 years earlier.[23] The decline of mall food courts and changing dietary choices among Americans are felt to be the major factors in Sbarro's regression.[24]

Entering the UK market

[edit]

On November 5, 2020, Sbarro announced it had agreed a partnership with the EG Group, a UK-based retail group, to enter the UK market, with the first store opening in EG’s Armada location in Birmingham, West Midlands.[25][26][disputed – discuss] As of June 22, 2022, Sbarro has 15 stores in the UK, 7 of which are located within the North West of England. It plans to expand its locations throughout 2022.[27]

Response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

[edit]

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sbarro Pizza refused to join the international community's withdrawal from the Russian market. Research from Yale University that covered how companies were reacting to Russia's invasion identified Sbarro in the worst category of "Digging In", meaning "Defying Demands for Exit: companies defying demands for exit/reduction of activities". They received the lowest possible grade for continuing business as usual.[28]

Pizza Cucinova

[edit]

In October 2013, Sbarro opened the first location of their fast-casual concept called Pizza Cucinova. The restaurants featured Neapolitan-style pizzas made to order with fresh, high-end ingredients and baked in woodstone ovens in under three minutes.[29] Pizza Cucinova had multiple locations in Ohio and Texas before closing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ 2011 non-U.S. system wide sales Retrieved July 11. 2015
  2. ^ Cole, Marine. "11 Worst Fast Food Restaurants in America". The Fiscal Times. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  3. ^ Peters, Justin (May 4, 2011). "The state of Sbarro: America's least essential restaurant". Slate Magazine. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  4. ^ Fast food chain consumerist.com/2014/07/02
  5. ^ Sbarro is in bankruptcy economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/
  6. ^ "About Sbarro - Get the Story Behind the Slice". Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  7. ^ McDowell, Edwin (April 11, 1997). "At Trade Center Deck, Views Are Lofty, as Are the Prices". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  8. ^ "Sbarro". sbarro.ph. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  9. ^ "History". Sbarro, Inc. Archived from the original on August 10, 2007.
  10. ^ "Sbarro Chapter 11 Petition" (PDF). PacerMonitor. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  11. ^ Kary, Tiffany (April 4, 2011). "Sbarro, Mall Restaurant Chain, Seeks Bankruptcy Protection". Bloomberg. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  12. ^ a b Karp, Gregory (April 10, 2011). "Pizza restaurants feeling bite from consumer options". Los Angeles Times.
  13. ^ Stych, Ed (November 18, 2011), "Sbarro pizza gets court approval to exit bankruptcy", Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, retrieved December 21, 2011
  14. ^ "James Greco, former Bruegger's CEO, joins Sbarro". www.fastcasual.com. January 31, 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  15. ^ "Sbarro Restaurant Company Fights Back From Bankruptcy - QSR magazine". qsrmagazine.com. July 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  16. ^ Strom, Stephanie (October 9, 2012). "New Sbarro Pizza Recipe to Drive Chain's Turnaround Plans". The New York Times. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  17. ^ "Sbarro". sbarro.ph. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  18. ^ "Restaurant Review: Panki, Sbarro". March 23, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  19. ^ "Pizza Chain Sbarro to Raise Store Count to 50 in 2 Years - NDTV Food". Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  20. ^ <Eaton, Dan (May 3, 2013) "Wendy’s experience helping guide new Sbarro CEO David Karam" Columbus Biz Insider
  21. ^ "Sbarro says it exited bankruptcy protection". Yahoo Finance. June 4, 2014. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  22. ^ "Sbarro joins fast-casual pizza race". nrn.com. Archived from the original on March 22, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  23. ^ "Is There Life After the Mall for Sbarro?". Eater. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  24. ^ "DEATH OF THE FOOD COURT: Iconic mall chains like Cinnabon, Sbarro, and Panda Express are transforming to survive". Business Insider. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  25. ^ "Sbarro enters UK market with EG Group partnership". Sbarro. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  26. ^ "US pizzeria chain Sbarro enters the UK market". The Caterer. November 6, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  27. ^ "Pizza chain Sbarro plans to open 100 restaurants in 2022". Verdict Food Service. March 25, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  28. ^ "Almost 1,000 Companies Have Curtailed Operations in Russia—But Some Remain". Yale School of Management. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  29. ^ "New fast-casual pizza concept coming to Kenwood: EXCLUSIVE". Cincinnati Business Courier. October 14, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  30. ^ "This Small, Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Closed All of Its Locations". www.yahoo.com. October 16, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
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