Gargano’s Pizzeria - Revision history

Jacques: Add a former waitress's memory of the pan pizza's secret ingredient

2026-10-28T20:42:20Z

Add a former waitress's memory of the pan pizza's secret ingredient

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:42, 28 October 2026
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	* Pizziola: "a Gargano's pizza built on a Gargano's garlic bread foundation" (1974)<ref name="dc-1974-03-07-p7">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 7). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ANCGJARD2HNRNK9A/pages/A5JEI6EMGZABKF8E State Street Gourmet's list of favorite sandwiches.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 7.</ref>.		* Pizziola: "a Gargano's pizza built on a Gargano's garlic bread foundation" (1974)<ref name="dc-1974-03-07-p7">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 7). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ANCGJARD2HNRNK9A/pages/A5JEI6EMGZABKF8E State Street Gourmet's list of favorite sandwiches.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 7.</ref>.
	* Pizza a la Napoletana; garlic bread under a mat of mozzarella and romano; the hot Togo submarine; an Italian roast beef sandwich, "Biagio's pride, made according to his mother's recipe" (1973)<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8" />.		* Pizza a la Napoletana; garlic bread under a mat of mozzarella and romano; the hot Togo submarine; an Italian roast beef sandwich, "Biagio's pride, made according to his mother's recipe" (1973)<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8" />.

			==Trivia==
			* A woman who waited tables there in the mid-1970s later remembered the pan pizza as the best in the world, with a secret ingredient: anchovy oil. She also recalled Biagio Gargano's lasagna and the "margarita salad" from the vegetable bar, which his mother-in-law made<ref name="mc-2019-10-17-your-memories">(2019, October 17). [https://madison.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/restaurants/collection_46981793-22c6-50c1-bed4-f01d534c3ae9.html "Your memories: Readers share stories of restaurants from the past."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.

	==Former Locations==		==Former Locations==

Jacques: Add the Carlo's predecessor at 435 State St. and the 1965–66 news items

2026-10-26T18:29:35Z

Add the Carlo's predecessor at 435 State St. and the 1965–66 news items

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:29, 26 October 2026
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	Gargano’s was a pizzeria at 437 State St. from September 1964 to January 1984. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.		Gargano’s was a pizzeria at 437 State St. from September 1964 to January 1984. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.

	Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.		Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. The State Street pizzeria had been his uncle Carlo Caputo's: in April 1964 "Carlo's Pizza Parlor" at 435 State St. was offered for sale<ref name="wsj-1964-04-04-p17">(1964, April 4). Business opportunity: "Pizza restaurant—435 State St. ... See Mr. Caputo". ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 17. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/400576053/ 400576053].</ref><ref name="wsj-1964-04-14-p2">(1964, April 14). Windstorm damage, including siding torn off Carlo's Pizza Parlor, 435 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 2. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/400591633/ 400591633].</ref> (see [[Carlo’s]]). In April 1965, when Biagio Gargano became a U.S. citizen, the Capital Times reported that he ran a pizza shop at 435 State St., that his wife ran Giuseppe's restaurant at 318 N. Randall Ave., and that his brother Gino had a restaurant at 535 State St.<ref name="ct-1965-04-27-p1">(1965, April 27). Naturalization ceremony; Biagio Gargano operates a pizza shop at 435 State St., his brother Gino a restaurant at 535 State St. ''The Capital Times''. p. 1. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519976155/ 519976155].</ref> He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.

	Its opening advertisement ran on September 11, 1964: "Italian Foods 'At Its Best' — Now Open — Gargano's Pizzeria", with carry-out and delivery, "specializing in Pizza, American & Italian Dishes", at 437 State St., telephone 255-3200<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39">(1964, September 11). Gargano's Pizzeria "Now Open" advertisement, 437 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 39. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/397277939/ 397277939].</ref>. Biagio Gargano applied for a beer license ~~there~~ in 1970<ref name="wsj-1970-05-20-p23">(1970, May 20). City of Madison notice of new Class B beer license applications, May 1970. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 23. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/396874370/ 396874370].</ref>. In 1971 it advertised "dozens of varieties of pizza", Budweiser on tap, homemade lasagne as "our specialty", seating for 75 and free campus delivery, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="dc-1971-12-09-p6">(1971, December 9). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AX4GW3EUY3UKFP8E/pages/A7NO6ZT44Y6WCL83 Gargano's Pizzeria advertisement, 437 State St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 6.</ref>; by April 1974 it opened at 11:30 a.m. for lunch<ref name="dc-1974-04-25-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, April 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A36YVM6NIUNY2Q86/pages/AOEPORDK2JZ5VL9A State Street Gourmet on pan pizza at Pino's and Rocky Rococo.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. The 1975 license was held by Broom & State Corporation<ref name="wsj-1975-05-28-p35">(1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35.</ref>.		Its opening advertisement ran on September 11, 1964: "Italian Foods 'At Its Best' — Now Open — Gargano's Pizzeria", with carry-out and delivery, "specializing in Pizza, American & Italian Dishes", at 437 State St., telephone 255-3200<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39">(1964, September 11). Gargano's Pizzeria "Now Open" advertisement, 437 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 39. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/397277939/ 397277939].</ref>. In March 1966 police used tear gas to flush burglars out of "Gargano's Pizzeria, 435 State St."<ref name="ct-1966-03-22-p1">Staff), B. D. Z. T. C. T. (1966, March 22). "Tear Gas Is Used In State St. Siege." ''The Capital Times''. p. 1. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519699302/ 519699302].</ref> Biagio Gargano applied for a beer license for "435-37 State St., for a pizza restaurant" in November 1965<ref name="wsj-1965-11-09-p15">(1965, November 9). State Street beer and liquor license applications: Biagio Gargano (435-37 State, pizza restaurant), Carlo Caputo (320 State). ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 15. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/403856450/ 403856450].</ref> and again in 1970<ref name="wsj-1970-05-20-p23">(1970, May 20). City of Madison notice of new Class B beer license applications, May 1970. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 23. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/396874370/ 396874370].</ref>. In 1971 it advertised "dozens of varieties of pizza", Budweiser on tap, homemade lasagne as "our specialty", seating for 75 and free campus delivery, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="dc-1971-12-09-p6">(1971, December 9). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AX4GW3EUY3UKFP8E/pages/A7NO6ZT44Y6WCL83 Gargano's Pizzeria advertisement, 437 State St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 6.</ref>; by April 1974 it opened at 11:30 a.m. for lunch<ref name="dc-1974-04-25-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, April 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A36YVM6NIUNY2Q86/pages/AOEPORDK2JZ5VL9A State Street Gourmet on pan pizza at Pino's and Rocky Rococo.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. The 1975 license was held by Broom & State Corporation<ref name="wsj-1975-05-28-p35">(1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35.</ref>.

	Gargano's won the [[Daily Cardinal pizza contests]] of 1971 and 1972<ref name="dc-1971-11-05-p9">Anchovy, W. J. (1971, November 5). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A42WIS6HQWPSI48D/pages/ALQCYDOMULMDO78Q "Promises, promises: First annual pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref><ref name="dc-1972-11-17-p15">McCue, M. (1972, November 17). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB4O7PJUOZ22W28Q/pages/A5ITJXL5DAAWFI83 Second Annual Cardinal Pizza Delivery Competition.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 15.</ref>. The Cardinal's "State Street Gourmet" wrote in 1973 that compared with Gargano's "every other pizza delivered was chintzy"; he ordered his pizzas "from the bottom of the list", made with imported Italian pear tomatoes, and watched Biagio make them in the kitchen<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1973, February 16). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUCMPCFY3K3ZT68V/pages/APIULUFOVKN53W8P State Street Gourmet on Gargano's.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. Biagio Gargano then built a second dining room upstairs, "gaudily decorated", for Sicilian-style "Pizza in the Pan": a crust "a light, freshly baked bread" under a thick layer of fresh-tasting tomato sauce, which the Gourmet called "so clearly the best pizza we'd ever had in Madison"<ref name="dc-1974-03-22-p9">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 22). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AQL3FLZNJLNSBH8B/pages/A4FDIVL4IWNX5L84 State Street Gourmet on Gargano's Pizza in the Pan.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref>. Gargano's later advertised that "In 1973 Biagio Gargano FIRST introduced Pizza in the Pan to Madison" — a year before [[Rocky Rococo]] opened — and in July 1975 added sfinciuni, "the Peter Pan Pizza", at 70¢ a slice<ref name="dc-1975-07-25-p5">(1975, July 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/APPSQ7XXWUS7QJ83/pages/AFERMLWDPDLHY78N Gargano's advertisement: Pizza in the Pan (1973) and sfinciuni, "the Peter Pan Pizza".] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 5.</ref>. The pan pizza finished second in the Cardinal's 1974 contest<ref name="dc-1974-10-14-p11">Calhoun, H. (1974, October 14). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUAUB2N7IUYMQS9C/pages/AZFRDN3FZSSQKA8O "Pizza hits the pits; Rocky wins by default."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 11.</ref>. A 1973 letter to the Cardinal praised its sauce and the aluminum foil it wrapped its delivery pizzas in<ref name="dc-1973-01-08-p30">(1973, January 8). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ADN2RD7FWKVZJB8Z/pages/AA4Y6WEUHYWL3W8G "Blasts Cardinal pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 30.</ref>.		Gargano's won the [[Daily Cardinal pizza contests]] of 1971 and 1972<ref name="dc-1971-11-05-p9">Anchovy, W. J. (1971, November 5). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A42WIS6HQWPSI48D/pages/ALQCYDOMULMDO78Q "Promises, promises: First annual pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref><ref name="dc-1972-11-17-p15">McCue, M. (1972, November 17). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB4O7PJUOZ22W28Q/pages/A5ITJXL5DAAWFI83 Second Annual Cardinal Pizza Delivery Competition.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 15.</ref>. The Cardinal's "State Street Gourmet" wrote in 1973 that compared with Gargano's "every other pizza delivered was chintzy"; he ordered his pizzas "from the bottom of the list", made with imported Italian pear tomatoes, and watched Biagio make them in the kitchen<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1973, February 16). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUCMPCFY3K3ZT68V/pages/APIULUFOVKN53W8P State Street Gourmet on Gargano's.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. Biagio Gargano then built a second dining room upstairs, "gaudily decorated", for Sicilian-style "Pizza in the Pan": a crust "a light, freshly baked bread" under a thick layer of fresh-tasting tomato sauce, which the Gourmet called "so clearly the best pizza we'd ever had in Madison"<ref name="dc-1974-03-22-p9">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 22). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AQL3FLZNJLNSBH8B/pages/A4FDIVL4IWNX5L84 State Street Gourmet on Gargano's Pizza in the Pan.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref>. Gargano's later advertised that "In 1973 Biagio Gargano FIRST introduced Pizza in the Pan to Madison" — a year before [[Rocky Rococo]] opened — and in July 1975 added sfinciuni, "the Peter Pan Pizza", at 70¢ a slice<ref name="dc-1975-07-25-p5">(1975, July 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/APPSQ7XXWUS7QJ83/pages/AFERMLWDPDLHY78N Gargano's advertisement: Pizza in the Pan (1973) and sfinciuni, "the Peter Pan Pizza".] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 5.</ref>. The pan pizza finished second in the Cardinal's 1974 contest<ref name="dc-1974-10-14-p11">Calhoun, H. (1974, October 14). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUAUB2N7IUYMQS9C/pages/AZFRDN3FZSSQKA8O "Pizza hits the pits; Rocky wins by default."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 11.</ref>. A 1973 letter to the Cardinal praised its sauce and the aluminum foil it wrapped its delivery pizzas in<ref name="dc-1973-01-08-p30">(1973, January 8). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ADN2RD7FWKVZJB8Z/pages/AA4Y6WEUHYWL3W8G "Blasts Cardinal pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 30.</ref>.

Jacques: Add Pizza in the Pan (1973) and the Peter Pan Pizza (1975)

2026-10-25T19:47:36Z

Add Pizza in the Pan (1973) and the Peter Pan Pizza (1975)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 25 October 2026
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	Its opening advertisement ran on September 11, 1964: "Italian Foods 'At Its Best' — Now Open — Gargano's Pizzeria", with carry-out and delivery, "specializing in Pizza, American & Italian Dishes", at 437 State St., telephone 255-3200<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39">(1964, September 11). Gargano's Pizzeria "Now Open" advertisement, 437 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 39. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/397277939/ 397277939].</ref>. Biagio Gargano applied for a beer license there in 1970<ref name="wsj-1970-05-20-p23">(1970, May 20). City of Madison notice of new Class B beer license applications, May 1970. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 23. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/396874370/ 396874370].</ref>. In 1971 it advertised "dozens of varieties of pizza", Budweiser on tap, homemade lasagne as "our specialty", seating for 75 and free campus delivery, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="dc-1971-12-09-p6">(1971, December 9). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AX4GW3EUY3UKFP8E/pages/A7NO6ZT44Y6WCL83 Gargano's Pizzeria advertisement, 437 State St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 6.</ref>; by April 1974 it opened at 11:30 a.m. for lunch<ref name="dc-1974-04-25-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, April 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A36YVM6NIUNY2Q86/pages/AOEPORDK2JZ5VL9A State Street Gourmet on pan pizza at Pino's and Rocky Rococo.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. The 1975 license was held by Broom & State Corporation<ref name="wsj-1975-05-28-p35">(1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35.</ref>.		Its opening advertisement ran on September 11, 1964: "Italian Foods 'At Its Best' — Now Open — Gargano's Pizzeria", with carry-out and delivery, "specializing in Pizza, American & Italian Dishes", at 437 State St., telephone 255-3200<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39">(1964, September 11). Gargano's Pizzeria "Now Open" advertisement, 437 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 39. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/397277939/ 397277939].</ref>. Biagio Gargano applied for a beer license there in 1970<ref name="wsj-1970-05-20-p23">(1970, May 20). City of Madison notice of new Class B beer license applications, May 1970. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 23. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/396874370/ 396874370].</ref>. In 1971 it advertised "dozens of varieties of pizza", Budweiser on tap, homemade lasagne as "our specialty", seating for 75 and free campus delivery, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="dc-1971-12-09-p6">(1971, December 9). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AX4GW3EUY3UKFP8E/pages/A7NO6ZT44Y6WCL83 Gargano's Pizzeria advertisement, 437 State St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 6.</ref>; by April 1974 it opened at 11:30 a.m. for lunch<ref name="dc-1974-04-25-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, April 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A36YVM6NIUNY2Q86/pages/AOEPORDK2JZ5VL9A State Street Gourmet on pan pizza at Pino's and Rocky Rococo.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. The 1975 license was held by Broom & State Corporation<ref name="wsj-1975-05-28-p35">(1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35.</ref>.

	Gargano's won the [[Daily Cardinal pizza contests]] of 1971 and 1972<ref name="dc-1971-11-05-p9">Anchovy, W. J. (1971, November 5). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A42WIS6HQWPSI48D/pages/ALQCYDOMULMDO78Q "Promises, promises: First annual pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref><ref name="dc-1972-11-17-p15">McCue, M. (1972, November 17). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB4O7PJUOZ22W28Q/pages/A5ITJXL5DAAWFI83 Second Annual Cardinal Pizza Delivery Competition.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 15.</ref>. The Cardinal's "State Street Gourmet" wrote in 1973 that compared with Gargano's "every other pizza delivered was chintzy"; he ordered his pizzas "from the bottom of the list", made with imported Italian pear tomatoes, and watched Biagio make them in the kitchen<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1973, February 16). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUCMPCFY3K3ZT68V/pages/APIULUFOVKN53W8P State Street Gourmet on Gargano's.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. By 1974 Gargano's ~~also sold~~ a "Pizza in the Pan"~~, which~~ finished second in ~~that year~~'s contest<ref name="dc-1974-10-14-p11">Calhoun, H. (1974, October 14). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUAUB2N7IUYMQS9C/pages/AZFRDN3FZSSQKA8O "Pizza hits the pits; Rocky wins by default."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 11.</ref>.		Gargano's won the [[Daily Cardinal pizza contests]] of 1971 and 1972<ref name="dc-1971-11-05-p9">Anchovy, W. J. (1971, November 5). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A42WIS6HQWPSI48D/pages/ALQCYDOMULMDO78Q "Promises, promises: First annual pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref><ref name="dc-1972-11-17-p15">McCue, M. (1972, November 17). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB4O7PJUOZ22W28Q/pages/A5ITJXL5DAAWFI83 Second Annual Cardinal Pizza Delivery Competition.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 15.</ref>. The Cardinal's "State Street Gourmet" wrote in 1973 that compared with Gargano's "every other pizza delivered was chintzy"; he ordered his pizzas "from the bottom of the list", made with imported Italian pear tomatoes, and watched Biagio make them in the kitchen<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1973, February 16). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUCMPCFY3K3ZT68V/pages/APIULUFOVKN53W8P State Street Gourmet on Gargano's.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. Biagio Gargano then built a second dining room upstairs, "gaudily decorated", for Sicilian-style "Pizza in the Pan": a crust "a light, freshly baked bread" under a thick layer of fresh-tasting tomato sauce, which the Gourmet called "so clearly the best pizza we'd ever had in Madison"<ref name="dc-1974-03-22-p9">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 22). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AQL3FLZNJLNSBH8B/pages/A4FDIVL4IWNX5L84 State Street Gourmet on Gargano's Pizza in the Pan.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref>. Gargano's later advertised that "In 1973 Biagio Gargano FIRST introduced Pizza in the Pan to Madison" — a year before [[Rocky Rococo]] opened — and in July 1975 added sfinciuni, "the Peter Pan Pizza", at 70¢ a slice<ref name="dc-1975-07-25-p5">(1975, July 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/APPSQ7XXWUS7QJ83/pages/AFERMLWDPDLHY78N Gargano's advertisement: Pizza in the Pan (1973) and sfinciuni, "the Peter Pan Pizza".] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 5.</ref>. The pan pizza finished second in the Cardinal's 1974 contest<ref name="dc-1974-10-14-p11">Calhoun, H. (1974, October 14). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUAUB2N7IUYMQS9C/pages/AZFRDN3FZSSQKA8O "Pizza hits the pits; Rocky wins by default."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 11.</ref>. A 1973 letter to the Cardinal praised its sauce and the aluminum foil it wrapped its delivery pizzas in<ref name="dc-1973-01-08-p30">(1973, January 8). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ADN2RD7FWKVZJB8Z/pages/AA4Y6WEUHYWL3W8G "Blasts Cardinal pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 30.</ref>.

	In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.		In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.
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	==Pizza==		==Pizza==
			* Pizza in the Pan, Sicilian style, introduced in 1973<ref name="dc-1975-07-25-p5" />.
			* Peter Pan Pizza (sfinciuni), 70¢ a slice (1975)<ref name="dc-1975-07-25-p5" />.
	* Pizziola: "a Gargano's pizza built on a Gargano's garlic bread foundation" (1974)<ref name="dc-1974-03-07-p7">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 7). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ANCGJARD2HNRNK9A/pages/A5JEI6EMGZABKF8E State Street Gourmet's list of favorite sandwiches.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 7.</ref>.		* Pizziola: "a Gargano's pizza built on a Gargano's garlic bread foundation" (1974)<ref name="dc-1974-03-07-p7">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 7). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ANCGJARD2HNRNK9A/pages/A5JEI6EMGZABKF8E State Street Gourmet's list of favorite sandwiches.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 7.</ref>.
	* Pizza a la Napoletana; garlic bread under a mat of mozzarella and romano; the hot Togo submarine; an Italian roast beef sandwich, "Biagio's pride, made according to his mother's recipe" (1973)<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8" />.		* Pizza a la Napoletana; garlic bread under a mat of mozzarella and romano; the hot Togo submarine; an Italian roast beef sandwich, "Biagio's pride, made according to his mother's recipe" (1973)<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8" />.

Jacques: Add the September 1964 opening, the 1970s ads, the Cardinal contests and the Pizziola

2026-10-25T17:34:19Z

Add the September 1964 opening, the 1970s ads, the Cardinal contests and the Pizziola

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 25 October 2026
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	Its opening advertisement ran on September 11, 1964: "Italian Foods 'At Its Best' — Now Open — Gargano's Pizzeria", with carry-out and delivery, "specializing in Pizza, American & Italian Dishes", at 437 State St., telephone 255-3200<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39">(1964, September 11). Gargano's Pizzeria "Now Open" advertisement, 437 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 39. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/397277939/ 397277939].</ref>. Biagio Gargano applied for a beer license there in 1970<ref name="wsj-1970-05-20-p23">(1970, May 20). City of Madison notice of new Class B beer license applications, May 1970. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 23. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/396874370/ 396874370].</ref>. In 1971 it advertised "dozens of varieties of pizza", Budweiser on tap, homemade lasagne as "our specialty", seating for 75 and free campus delivery, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="dc-1971-12-09-p6">(1971, December 9). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AX4GW3EUY3UKFP8E/pages/A7NO6ZT44Y6WCL83 Gargano's Pizzeria advertisement, 437 State St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 6.</ref>; by April 1974 it opened at 11:30 a.m. for lunch<ref name="dc-1974-04-25-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, April 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A36YVM6NIUNY2Q86/pages/AOEPORDK2JZ5VL9A State Street Gourmet on pan pizza at Pino's and Rocky Rococo.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. The 1975 license was held by Broom & State Corporation<ref name="wsj-1975-05-28-p35">(1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35.</ref>.		Its opening advertisement ran on September 11, 1964: "Italian Foods 'At Its Best' — Now Open — Gargano's Pizzeria", with carry-out and delivery, "specializing in Pizza, American & Italian Dishes", at 437 State St., telephone 255-3200<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39">(1964, September 11). Gargano's Pizzeria "Now Open" advertisement, 437 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 39. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/397277939/ 397277939].</ref>. Biagio Gargano applied for a beer license there in 1970<ref name="wsj-1970-05-20-p23">(1970, May 20). City of Madison notice of new Class B beer license applications, May 1970. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 23. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/396874370/ 396874370].</ref>. In 1971 it advertised "dozens of varieties of pizza", Budweiser on tap, homemade lasagne as "our specialty", seating for 75 and free campus delivery, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="dc-1971-12-09-p6">(1971, December 9). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AX4GW3EUY3UKFP8E/pages/A7NO6ZT44Y6WCL83 Gargano's Pizzeria advertisement, 437 State St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 6.</ref>; by April 1974 it opened at 11:30 a.m. for lunch<ref name="dc-1974-04-25-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, April 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A36YVM6NIUNY2Q86/pages/AOEPORDK2JZ5VL9A State Street Gourmet on pan pizza at Pino's and Rocky Rococo.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. The 1975 license was held by Broom & State Corporation<ref name="wsj-1975-05-28-p35">(1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35.</ref>.

	Gargano's won the [[Daily Cardinal pizza contests]] of 1971 and 1972<ref name="dc-1971-11-05-p9">Anchovy, W. J. (1971, November 5). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A42WIS6HQWPSI48D/pages/ALQCYDOMULMDO78Q "Promises, promises: First annual pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref><ref name="dc-1972-11-17-p15">McCue, M. (1972, November 17). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB4O7PJUOZ22W28Q/pages/A5ITJXL5DAAWFI83 Second Annual Cardinal Pizza Delivery Competition.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 15.</ref>. The Cardinal's "State Street Gourmet" wrote in 1973 that compared with Gargano's "every other pizza delivered was chintzy"; he ordered his pizzas "from the bottom of the list", made with imported Italian pear tomatoes, and watched Biagio make them in the kitchen<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1973, February 16). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUCMPCFY3K3ZT68V/pages/APIULUFOVKN53W8P State Street Gourmet on Gargano's.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. By 1974 Gargano's also sold a "Pizza in the Pan", which finished second in that year's contest<ref name="dc-1974-10-14-p11">Calhoun, H. (1974, October 14). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUAUB2N7IUYMQS9C/pages/AZFRDN3FZSSQKA8O "Pizza hits the Rocky."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 11.</ref>.		Gargano's won the [[Daily Cardinal pizza contests]] of 1971 and 1972<ref name="dc-1971-11-05-p9">Anchovy, W. J. (1971, November 5). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A42WIS6HQWPSI48D/pages/ALQCYDOMULMDO78Q "Promises, promises: First annual pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref><ref name="dc-1972-11-17-p15">McCue, M. (1972, November 17). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB4O7PJUOZ22W28Q/pages/A5ITJXL5DAAWFI83 Second Annual Cardinal Pizza Delivery Competition.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 15.</ref>. The Cardinal's "State Street Gourmet" wrote in 1973 that compared with Gargano's "every other pizza delivered was chintzy"; he ordered his pizzas "from the bottom of the list", made with imported Italian pear tomatoes, and watched Biagio make them in the kitchen<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1973, February 16). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUCMPCFY3K3ZT68V/pages/APIULUFOVKN53W8P State Street Gourmet on Gargano's.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. By 1974 Gargano's also sold a "Pizza in the Pan", which finished second in that year's contest<ref name="dc-1974-10-14-p11">Calhoun, H. (1974, October 14). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUAUB2N7IUYMQS9C/pages/AZFRDN3FZSSQKA8O "Pizza hits the pits; Rocky wins by default."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 11.</ref>.

	In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.		In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.

Jacques: Add the September 1964 opening, the 1970s ads, the Cardinal contests and the Pizziola

2026-10-25T16:05:56Z

Add the September 1964 opening, the 1970s ads, the Cardinal contests and the Pizziola

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 25 October 2026
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	Gargano’s was a pizzeria at 437 State St. from ~~the 1960s~~ to January 1984. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.		Gargano’s was a pizzeria at 437 State St. from September 1964 to January 1984. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.

	Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.		Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.

			Its opening advertisement ran on September 11, 1964: "Italian Foods 'At Its Best' — Now Open — Gargano's Pizzeria", with carry-out and delivery, "specializing in Pizza, American & Italian Dishes", at 437 State St., telephone 255-3200<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39">(1964, September 11). Gargano's Pizzeria "Now Open" advertisement, 437 State St. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 39. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/397277939/ 397277939].</ref>. Biagio Gargano applied for a beer license there in 1970<ref name="wsj-1970-05-20-p23">(1970, May 20). City of Madison notice of new Class B beer license applications, May 1970. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 23. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/396874370/ 396874370].</ref>. In 1971 it advertised "dozens of varieties of pizza", Budweiser on tap, homemade lasagne as "our specialty", seating for 75 and free campus delivery, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="dc-1971-12-09-p6">(1971, December 9). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AX4GW3EUY3UKFP8E/pages/A7NO6ZT44Y6WCL83 Gargano's Pizzeria advertisement, 437 State St.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 6.</ref>; by April 1974 it opened at 11:30 a.m. for lunch<ref name="dc-1974-04-25-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, April 25). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A36YVM6NIUNY2Q86/pages/AOEPORDK2JZ5VL9A State Street Gourmet on pan pizza at Pino's and Rocky Rococo.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. The 1975 license was held by Broom & State Corporation<ref name="wsj-1975-05-28-p35">(1975, May 28). City of Madison license list, May 1975. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35.</ref>.

			Gargano's won the [[Daily Cardinal pizza contests]] of 1971 and 1972<ref name="dc-1971-11-05-p9">Anchovy, W. J. (1971, November 5). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A42WIS6HQWPSI48D/pages/ALQCYDOMULMDO78Q "Promises, promises: First annual pizza contest."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 9.</ref><ref name="dc-1972-11-17-p15">McCue, M. (1972, November 17). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB4O7PJUOZ22W28Q/pages/A5ITJXL5DAAWFI83 Second Annual Cardinal Pizza Delivery Competition.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 15.</ref>. The Cardinal's "State Street Gourmet" wrote in 1973 that compared with Gargano's "every other pizza delivered was chintzy"; he ordered his pizzas "from the bottom of the list", made with imported Italian pear tomatoes, and watched Biagio make them in the kitchen<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8">Gourmet, S. S. (1973, February 16). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUCMPCFY3K3ZT68V/pages/APIULUFOVKN53W8P State Street Gourmet on Gargano's.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 8.</ref>. By 1974 Gargano's also sold a "Pizza in the Pan", which finished second in that year's contest<ref name="dc-1974-10-14-p11">Calhoun, H. (1974, October 14). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AUAUB2N7IUYMQS9C/pages/AZFRDN3FZSSQKA8O "Pizza hits the Rocky."] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 11.</ref>.

	In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.		In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.
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	Both restaurants closed in January 1984. On March 9 the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing debts of $529,388 and assets of $32,151. Its largest unsecured creditor was the landlord, Broom & State Corp., owed $244,664 in remaining lease payments and $150,000 on a 1977 purchase agreement<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" /><ref name="wsj-1984-03-17-p1">(1984, March 17). "Bankruptcy petition filed by Gargano's." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 1. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402629288/ 402629288].</ref>. The [[Noble Roman’s]] franchise opened in the building in January 1985<ref name="wsj-1985-03-17-p96">Kallio, S. (1985, March 17). "Noble Roman's not distinguished." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 96. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402064727/ 402064727].</ref>. "The Grotto and Garganos are, sadly, just State Street memories now," the Capital Times wrote that June<ref name="ct-1985-06-22-p14">Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." ''The Capital Times''. p. 14. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519961462/ 519961462].</ref>. See [[437 State Street]].		Both restaurants closed in January 1984. On March 9 the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing debts of $529,388 and assets of $32,151. Its largest unsecured creditor was the landlord, Broom & State Corp., owed $244,664 in remaining lease payments and $150,000 on a 1977 purchase agreement<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" /><ref name="wsj-1984-03-17-p1">(1984, March 17). "Bankruptcy petition filed by Gargano's." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 1. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402629288/ 402629288].</ref>. The [[Noble Roman’s]] franchise opened in the building in January 1985<ref name="wsj-1985-03-17-p96">Kallio, S. (1985, March 17). "Noble Roman's not distinguished." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 96. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402064727/ 402064727].</ref>. "The Grotto and Garganos are, sadly, just State Street memories now," the Capital Times wrote that June<ref name="ct-1985-06-22-p14">Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." ''The Capital Times''. p. 14. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519961462/ 519961462].</ref>. See [[437 State Street]].

			==Pizza==
			* Pizziola: "a Gargano's pizza built on a Gargano's garlic bread foundation" (1974)<ref name="dc-1974-03-07-p7">Gourmet, S. S. (1974, March 7). [https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ANCGJARD2HNRNK9A/pages/A5JEI6EMGZABKF8E State Street Gourmet's list of favorite sandwiches.] ''The Daily Cardinal''. p. 7.</ref>.
			* Pizza a la Napoletana; garlic bread under a mat of mozzarella and romano; the hot Togo submarine; an Italian roast beef sandwich, "Biagio's pride, made according to his mother's recipe" (1973)<ref name="dc-1973-02-16-p8" />.

	==Former Locations==		==Former Locations==
	* 437 State St., at Broom and Gilman streets (~~1960s~~ to January 1984)<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" />.		* 437 State St., at Broom and Gilman streets (September 1964<ref name="wsj-1964-09-11-p39" /> to January 1984<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" />).
	* 2415 E. Washington Ave., as Gargano's East (October 1983 to January 1984)<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" />.		* 2415 E. Washington Ave., as Gargano's East (October 1983 to January 1984)<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" />.

Jacques: Add the closing in January 1984, the bankruptcy and Gargano's East

2026-10-25T04:10:08Z

Add the closing in January 1984, the bankruptcy and Gargano's East

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:10, 25 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Gargano’s was a pizzeria at 437 State St. from the 1960s to ~~at least 1980~~. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.		Gargano’s was a pizzeria at 437 State St. from the 1960s to January 1984. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.

	Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.		Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.
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	The 1980 Yellow Pages list Gargano's at 437 State St., with two numbers and a third for "Pizza in the Pan". Its menu ad offered thin, regular and thick crusts in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes and pan pizza in 9, 10 and 12 inches, sixteen extra ingredients, the Togo and Vesuvio sandwiches, a "Pizzaloka" of garlic bread with pizza sauce and mozzarella, and pasta dinners. It was open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="yp-1980-p447">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 447: listings Barnaby's Family Inn (4802 E. Washington Ave. 241-2131; 6613 Mineral Point Rd. 833-1671), Brat und Brau (1421 Regent; …. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 447.</ref>		The 1980 Yellow Pages list Gargano's at 437 State St., with two numbers and a third for "Pizza in the Pan". Its menu ad offered thin, regular and thick crusts in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes and pan pizza in 9, 10 and 12 inches, sixteen extra ingredients, the Togo and Vesuvio sandwiches, a "Pizzaloka" of garlic bread with pizza sauce and mozzarella, and pasta dinners. It was open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="yp-1980-p447">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 447: listings Barnaby's Family Inn (4802 E. Washington Ave. 241-2131; 6613 Mineral Point Rd. 833-1671), Brat und Brau (1421 Regent; …. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 447.</ref>

	Biagio Gargano had sold the restaurant by November 1980, when he opened The Monastery on East Washington Avenue<ref name="wsj-1981-03-01-p84">Campbell, G. (1981, March 1). "A Gargano scores again." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 84. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401048042/ 401048042].</ref>. Gargano's ~~and Aunt~~ Ruth's ~~left~~ the ~~building about~~ a ~~year before~~ the [[Noble Roman’s]] franchise opened ~~there~~ in January 1985<ref name="wsj-1985-03-17-p96">Kallio, S. (1985, March 17). "Noble Roman's not distinguished." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 96. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402064727/ 402064727].</ref>. "The Grotto and Garganos are, sadly, just State Street memories now," the Capital Times wrote that June<ref name="ct-1985-06-22-p14">Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." ''The Capital Times''. p. 14. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519961462/ 519961462].</ref>. See [[437 State Street]].		Biagio Gargano had sold the restaurant by November 1980, when he opened The Monastery on East Washington Avenue<ref name="wsj-1981-03-01-p84">Campbell, G. (1981, March 1). "A Gargano scores again." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 84. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401048042/ 401048042].</ref>. From 1977 it was run by Dollhausen Enterprises, Inc., which held its license in 1983<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12">Parkins, A. (1984, March 16). "Gargano's files for bankruptcy." ''The Capital Times''. p. 12. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521415520/ 521415520].</ref><ref name="wsj-1983-05-05-p20">(1983, May 5). 1983 license applications: 'Dollhausen Enterprises, Inc., Ruth Dollhausen, Agent, DBA Gargano's, 437 State Street'; 'Gargano Brothers, Inc., Stella Gargano, Agent, DBA Gino's, 540 State Street'; R & R Pan Style Pizza (Rocky…. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 20. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/405904686/ 405904686].</ref>. In October 1983 the company opened a second restaurant, Gargano's East, at 2415 E. Washington Ave.; that month Gargano's on State Street was still hiring pizza drivers<ref name="wsj-1983-10-19-p35">(1983, October 19). Help-wanted: 'Pizza driver wanted. Must have own car, we pay salary & commission. Apply at: Gargano's, 437 State St.'. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404934219/ 404934219].</ref>.

			Both restaurants closed in January 1984. On March 9 the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing debts of $529,388 and assets of $32,151. Its largest unsecured creditor was the landlord, Broom & State Corp., owed $244,664 in remaining lease payments and $150,000 on a 1977 purchase agreement<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" /><ref name="wsj-1984-03-17-p1">(1984, March 17). "Bankruptcy petition filed by Gargano's." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 1. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402629288/ 402629288].</ref>. The [[Noble Roman’s]] franchise opened in the building in January 1985<ref name="wsj-1985-03-17-p96">Kallio, S. (1985, March 17). "Noble Roman's not distinguished." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 96. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402064727/ 402064727].</ref>. "The Grotto and Garganos are, sadly, just State Street memories now," the Capital Times wrote that June<ref name="ct-1985-06-22-p14">Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." ''The Capital Times''. p. 14. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519961462/ 519961462].</ref>. See [[437 State Street]].

			==Former Locations==
			* 437 State St., at Broom and Gilman streets (1960s to January 1984)<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" />.
			* 2415 E. Washington Ave., as Gargano's East (October 1983 to January 1984)<ref name="ct-1984-03-16-p12" />.

	==External links==		==External links==

Jacques: Add what followed Gargano's at 437 State St.

2026-10-25T02:25:59Z

Add what followed Gargano's at 437 State St.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:25, 25 October 2026
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	The 1980 Yellow Pages list Gargano's at 437 State St., with two numbers and a third for "Pizza in the Pan". Its menu ad offered thin, regular and thick crusts in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes and pan pizza in 9, 10 and 12 inches, sixteen extra ingredients, the Togo and Vesuvio sandwiches, a "Pizzaloka" of garlic bread with pizza sauce and mozzarella, and pasta dinners. It was open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="yp-1980-p447">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 447: listings Barnaby's Family Inn (4802 E. Washington Ave. 241-2131; 6613 Mineral Point Rd. 833-1671), Brat und Brau (1421 Regent; …. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 447.</ref>		The 1980 Yellow Pages list Gargano's at 437 State St., with two numbers and a third for "Pizza in the Pan". Its menu ad offered thin, regular and thick crusts in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes and pan pizza in 9, 10 and 12 inches, sixteen extra ingredients, the Togo and Vesuvio sandwiches, a "Pizzaloka" of garlic bread with pizza sauce and mozzarella, and pasta dinners. It was open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="yp-1980-p447">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 447: listings Barnaby's Family Inn (4802 E. Washington Ave. 241-2131; 6613 Mineral Point Rd. 833-1671), Brat und Brau (1421 Regent; …. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 447.</ref>

			Biagio Gargano had sold the restaurant by November 1980, when he opened The Monastery on East Washington Avenue<ref name="wsj-1981-03-01-p84">Campbell, G. (1981, March 1). "A Gargano scores again." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 84. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401048042/ 401048042].</ref>. Gargano's and Aunt Ruth's left the building about a year before the [[Noble Roman’s]] franchise opened there in January 1985<ref name="wsj-1985-03-17-p96">Kallio, S. (1985, March 17). "Noble Roman's not distinguished." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 96. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402064727/ 402064727].</ref>. "The Grotto and Garganos are, sadly, just State Street memories now," the Capital Times wrote that June<ref name="ct-1985-06-22-p14">Egerton, B. (1985, June 22). "Madison has right stuff for making — and eating! — pizza." ''The Capital Times''. p. 14. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/519961462/ 519961462].</ref>. See [[437 State Street]].

	==External links==		==External links==

Jacques: Add the 1980 Yellow Pages 'Pizza' pages (Andy's copy)

2026-10-24T04:36:43Z

Add the 1980 Yellow Pages 'Pizza' pages (Andy's copy)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:36, 24 October 2026
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	Gargano’s was a pizzeria on State St. ~~during~~ the 1960s~~/1970s~~. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.		Gargano’s was a pizzeria at 437 State St. from the 1960s to at least 1980. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.

	Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.		Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.

	In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.		In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.

			The 1980 Yellow Pages list Gargano's at 437 State St., with two numbers and a third for "Pizza in the Pan". Its menu ad offered thin, regular and thick crusts in 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes and pan pizza in 9, 10 and 12 inches, sixteen extra ingredients, the Togo and Vesuvio sandwiches, a "Pizzaloka" of garlic bread with pizza sauce and mozzarella, and pasta dinners. It was open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.<ref name="yp-1980-p447">(1980). Madison Yellow Pages, 1980 edition (Wisconsin Telephone Co.), 'Pizza' classification, p. 447: listings Barnaby's Family Inn (4802 E. Washington Ave. 241-2131; 6613 Mineral Point Rd. 833-1671), Brat und Brau (1421 Regent; …. ''Madison telephone directory''. p. 447.</ref>

	==External links==		==External links==

Jacques: Add the 2010–2014 years from the newspaper research recorded in the database; earlier text kept

2026-10-21T17:12:13Z

Add the 2010–2014 years from the newspaper research recorded in the database; earlier text kept

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:12, 21 October 2026
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	Gargano’s was a pizzeria on State St. during the 1960s/1970s. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.		Gargano’s was a pizzeria on State St. during the 1960s/1970s. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.

			Biagio Gargano came to Madison in 1960. By 1962 he had a pizzeria called Guiseppe's near the corner of Randall and University avenues, which he soon moved to State Street and renamed Gargano's. He died in December 2012, aged 76<ref name="mc-2013-07-05-ginos-at-50">Moe, D. (2013, July 5). [https://madison.com/news/local/columnists/doug-moe/article_20dd18c3-83f2-5c35-8d6c-68c8af51b001.html "Doug Moe: Gino's at 50."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.

	In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.		In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.

Jacques: Add the 1973 location (State St. at N. Broom St.) and Wisconsin Historical Society photo link; earlier text kept

2026-10-21T03:20:44Z

Add the 1973 location (State St. at N. Broom St.) and Wisconsin Historical Society photo link; earlier text kept

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:20, 21 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Gargano’s was a pizzeria on State St. during the 1960s/1970s. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.		Gargano’s was a pizzeria on State St. during the 1960s/1970s. [[Biagio Gargano]], the owner was the brother of Peppino and Gino, who also owned Italian restaurants in Madison.

			In 1973 it stood on State Street at the corner of North Broom Street, in a building whose signs read "Carry Out Pizza Service" and "Spaghetti & Pizza", next to Martin's Midwest Western Wear<ref>Garner, B. (1973). "Gargano's Pizzaria." Photograph, Wisconsin Historical Society, Unique ID W01263O (WHI 137704). Bruce Garner photographs of State Street area, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1973.</ref>.

			==External links==
			* [https://wisconsinhistory.org/record/image/W01263O/garganos-pizzaria "Gargano's Pizzaria"], photograph by Bruce Garner, 1973. Wisconsin Historical Society, W01263O.

			==Notes==
			<references />