This New York Pizza Truck Serves Slices So Huge They’ve Become Legendary
In New York, pizza isn’t just food. It’s a way of life, and Jiannetto’s Pizza Truck has taken it to a legendary level.
Locals flock for slices so enormous they barely fit on a plate, yet each bite delivers perfect crust, gooey cheese, and rich toppings.
This isn’t your average grab-and-go slice; it’s an experience that has earned a devoted following, turning a humble pizza truck into a must-visit culinary icon.
1. Wall Street Origins to Food Truck Empire
From humble beginnings on a Wall Street corner in 1998, Jiannetto’s has transformed into a mini pizza empire on wheels.
The founder spotted a gap in the quick lunch market and rolled out that first truck to feed hungry financial district workers.
What started as a single vehicle has expanded into a small fleet of mobile pizzerias, each maintaining the original recipes and massive portion sizes that put them on the map.
Their success story represents the quintessential New York dream – starting small and growing into a beloved city fixture.
2. Award-Winning Grandma-Style Sicilian Squares
Jiannetto’s signature dish isn’t your typical floppy New York slice. Their award-winning grandma-style thin-crust Sicilian squares have earned cult status among pizza aficionados citywide.
Each massive square features a perfectly crisp bottom, light yet chewy interior, and a generous layer of their secret-recipe tomato sauce.
The edges develop a caramelized crunch that pizza lovers chase after. These distinctive squares have collected numerous local food awards and continue to be the truck’s bestselling item.
3. Midtown Lunch Legend Status
Lunchtime at E 47th Street between Park and Madison transforms into a pizza pilgrimage. Office workers set alarms to avoid missing out on these coveted slices that regularly sell out before the lunch rush ends.
Regular customers have developed strategic timing – arriving just before noon guarantees both minimal wait time and maximum selection.
The truck has become such a fixture that nearby office buildings schedule meetings around their operating hours. For many Midtown employees, Jiannetto’s isn’t just lunch – it’s a weekly tradition.
4. Vendy Awards Recognition
Recognition came knocking in 2018 when Jiannetto’s reached finalist status in the prestigious Vendy Awards – essentially the Oscars of street food.
Competing against the city’s finest mobile eateries showcased their rise from simple pizza truck to culinary contender.
The judges praised their consistently excellent execution and unwavering quality over two decades of operation.
While many food trucks come and go, Jiannetto’s finalist position cemented their reputation as a permanent fixture in New York’s competitive street food landscape.
5. Fresh-Baked Magic from Onboard Ovens
Magic happens inside those compact truck walls. Jiannetto’s mobile kitchens house specialized ovens that bake each pizza to perfection, producing that signature crispy-yet-tender crust that fans rave about.
Beyond their famous squares, the onboard kitchen cranks out golden Sicilian rice balls stuffed with molten cheese and hearty parm heroes that rival any brick-and-mortar deli. T
he aromas wafting from these mobile ovens act as an irresistible beacon, drawing hungry New Yorkers from blocks away like a pizza-scented siren song.
6. From Corporate Events to Cultural Festivals
Jiannetto’s has become the unofficial caterer for New York’s cultural scene.
Their trucks regularly appear at the Tribeca Film Festival, where celebrities have been spotted devouring their massive slices between screenings.
Corporate events throughout Manhattan frequently book them to boost employee morale – nothing says “we appreciate you” like legendary pizza.
Their regular presence at SummerStage concerts in Central Park has made them as much a part of NYC summers as the performances themselves. For many event planners, securing a Jiannetto’s truck guarantees attendance.
7. Barstool Pizza Review Fame with NFL Legend
Internet fame arrived when Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy brought NFL legend Brian Urlacher to review Jiannetto’s slices.
The former Chicago Bears star’s genuine amazement at the slice size became an instant viral moment.
Urlacher’s football-sized hands making the massive slice look almost normal provided perfect scale for viewers.
The video garnered millions of views, introducing Jiannetto’s to a national audience.
Their sales reportedly jumped 30% following the review, with tourists specifically seeking out “that pizza truck the football player loved.”