Sal’s Pizzeria - Revision history

Jacques: Use American spelling (license, favorite, neighborhood and the like)

2026-10-24T16:13:15Z

Use American spelling (license, favorite, neighborhood and the like)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:13, 24 October 2026
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	It opened on Monday, October 27, 1997, next to Zorba's, with a view of the lit Parthenon across the street and a neon motto, "A slice of New York on State Street". Samara Kalk reviewed it that Saturday and gave it three stars: "Transplanted New Yorkers Rob LoBreglio and Eliot Butler, the entrepreneurial whiz kids who brought Madison its first brew pub, the Great Dane, have another triumph on their hands." It was open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, "till bartime in a week or two", for dining in and carry-out, and on its second night nearly every table was full. Kalk added that "Madison's first New York-style pizza parlor, Rozino's, is insulated by a couple of blocks but is also sure to suffer"<ref name="ct-1997-11-01-p43" />. The first week was "twice what we expected", LoBreglio said. After a packed Friday and Saturday the shop closed on Sunday and Monday, November 2 and 3, with a sign on the door promising to reopen "when we can serve you the best pizza possible"; a cooler had failed and ruined the dough, "but mainly it was human exhaustion" after 19-hour days. It reopened on the Tuesday with more staff trained. The third partner, Gene Gowan, had worked at the Dining Room and L'Etoile<ref name="ct-1997-11-08-p41">Kalk, S. (1997, November 8). "Sal's success almost too much for it to handle." ''The Capital Times''. p. 41. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522191880/ 522191880].</ref>. In December the State Journal's Dave Becker made it one of two "new contenders" for Madison's best pizza, alongside the [[Urban Pizza Cafe\|Urban Pizza Co.]]: "From the extraordinary crust to the large selection of creative toppings, this may well be the best regular pizza in Madison." By then the hours were 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, to midnight Thursday to Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, the beers on tap included the Great Dane's, and orders were called out by number from the counter<ref name="wsj-1997-12-07-p56">Becker, D. and Pizza), D. B. a. C. M. (1997, December 7). "Two pizzerias vie for best of Madison's best new eats." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 56. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401422712/ 401422712].</ref>. On December 21 its employees spotted the fire at the Parthenon and called it in<ref name="ct-1997-12-22-p7">(1997, December 22). "Parthenon fire." ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522207018/ 522207018].</ref>.		It opened on Monday, October 27, 1997, next to Zorba's, with a view of the lit Parthenon across the street and a neon motto, "A slice of New York on State Street". Samara Kalk reviewed it that Saturday and gave it three stars: "Transplanted New Yorkers Rob LoBreglio and Eliot Butler, the entrepreneurial whiz kids who brought Madison its first brew pub, the Great Dane, have another triumph on their hands." It was open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, "till bartime in a week or two", for dining in and carry-out, and on its second night nearly every table was full. Kalk added that "Madison's first New York-style pizza parlor, Rozino's, is insulated by a couple of blocks but is also sure to suffer"<ref name="ct-1997-11-01-p43" />. The first week was "twice what we expected", LoBreglio said. After a packed Friday and Saturday the shop closed on Sunday and Monday, November 2 and 3, with a sign on the door promising to reopen "when we can serve you the best pizza possible"; a cooler had failed and ruined the dough, "but mainly it was human exhaustion" after 19-hour days. It reopened on the Tuesday with more staff trained. The third partner, Gene Gowan, had worked at the Dining Room and L'Etoile<ref name="ct-1997-11-08-p41">Kalk, S. (1997, November 8). "Sal's success almost too much for it to handle." ''The Capital Times''. p. 41. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522191880/ 522191880].</ref>. In December the State Journal's Dave Becker made it one of two "new contenders" for Madison's best pizza, alongside the [[Urban Pizza Cafe\|Urban Pizza Co.]]: "From the extraordinary crust to the large selection of creative toppings, this may well be the best regular pizza in Madison." By then the hours were 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, to midnight Thursday to Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, the beers on tap included the Great Dane's, and orders were called out by number from the counter<ref name="wsj-1997-12-07-p56">Becker, D. and Pizza), D. B. a. C. M. (1997, December 7). "Two pizzerias vie for best of Madison's best new eats." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 56. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401422712/ 401422712].</ref>. On December 21 its employees spotted the fire at the Parthenon and called it in<ref name="ct-1997-12-22-p7">(1997, December 22). "Parthenon fire." ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522207018/ 522207018].</ref>.

	Sal's opened in October 1997 on the 300 block of State Street, "an exciting time for those who like New York pizza sold by the slice. Not only was Sal's cheap and hot but there were dozens of slices to choose from and the mozzarella was full-flavored and generous," Samara Kalk recalled in June 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 17). "Gila Monster bites dust; Cleveland's takes break." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404115636/ 404115636].</ref>. Its owners were Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio of the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Butler the majority partner; the city licensed it in 1999 to But-Lo LLC<ref name="ct-1999-05-26-p7">(1999, May 26). City of Madison 1999–2000 alcohol license renewals, part 2: Liquor & Beer Class B (#159–458): But-Lo LLC dba Sal's Pizzeria 313 State St.; First Madco Inc. dba Rocky Rococo 7952 Tree Ln.; Mineral Spirits Inc. dba Edwardo's N…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522006391/ 522006391], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522007482/ 522007482].</ref><ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61">Kalk, S. (1999, August 26). Sal's listed for sale; Glass Nickel expands to west side. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 61. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402056959/ 402056959], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522664495/ 522664495].</ref>. ~~The~~ Bassett Street pizza parlor Casa Bianca ~~opened~~ at ~~about~~ the ~~same~~ time<ref name="mc-~~2005~~-12-15-~~sals~~-~~pizzeria~~" />.		Sal's opened in October 1997 on the 300 block of State Street, "an exciting time for those who like New York pizza sold by the slice. Not only was Sal's cheap and hot but there were dozens of slices to choose from and the mozzarella was full-flavored and generous," Samara Kalk recalled in June 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 17). "Gila Monster bites dust; Cleveland's takes break." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404115636/ 404115636].</ref>. Its owners were Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio of the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Butler the majority partner; the city licensed it in 1998 and 1999 to But-Lo LLC with LoBreglio as agent<ref name="ct-1998-05-26-p4">(1998, May 26). "City of Madison license applications, June 2, 1998 (Ray Fisher, city clerk; published May 25–27)." ''The Capital Times''. p. 4–5. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521509437/ 521509437], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521509449/ 521509449].</ref><ref name="ct-1999-05-26-p7">(1999, May 26). City of Madison 1999–2000 alcohol license renewals, part 2: Liquor & Beer Class B (#159–458): But-Lo LLC dba Sal's Pizzeria 313 State St.; First Madco Inc. dba Rocky Rococo 7952 Tree Ln.; Mineral Spirits Inc. dba Edwardo's N…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522006391/ 522006391], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522007482/ 522007482].</ref><ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61">Kalk, S. (1999, August 26). Sal's listed for sale; Glass Nickel expands to west side. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 61. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402056959/ 402056959], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522664495/ 522664495].</ref>. Nafi Elmazi, who opened the Bassett Street pizza parlor [[Casa Bianca]] in the spring of 1998, had helped train Sal's first crew<ref name="ct-1998-03-21-p42">Kalk, S. (1998, March 21). "Cheap Eats: Side Orders — Casa Bianca coming to Bassett Street." ''The Capital Times''. p. 42. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521523586/ 521523586].</ref>.

			Through 1998 the shop hired steadily: cooks, an assistant manager and drivers in April ("call Dave or Jeff"), another assistant manager at 40 to 50 hours a week in July, and from August "pizza makers — must be experienced in hand-tossed pizza making"<ref name="wsj-1998-04-10-p35">(1998, April 10). "Help wanted: Sal's Pizzeria; A&W and Jerry's Subs & Pizza." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404507675/ 404507675], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522549619/ 522549619], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404508633/ 404508633], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522549970/ 522549970].</ref><ref name="wsj-1998-07-09-p29">(1998, July 9). "Help wanted: Sal's Pizzeria assistant manager." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 29. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404516644/ 404516644], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/521513763/ 521513763].</ref><ref name="wsj-1998-08-02-p90">(1998, August 2). "Help wanted: Sal's Pizzeria, Pizza Extreme, Pizza Pit, Pizzeria Uno (August 1998)." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 90. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/405211348/ 405211348].</ref>. In the fall a display ad under the chef logo asked "Want to work?" at "downtown Madison's most vibrant late-night dining experience. You need a desire to work hard & enjoy work, or you're wasting your time and mine calling. 251-2800, ask for Dave"<ref name="wsj-1998-10-23-p35">(1998, October 23). "Sal's Pizzeria: Want to work?" ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 35. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/406315013/ 406315013], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/406315501/ 406315501], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/406320164/ 406320164], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/406335321/ 406335321], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/406375041/ 406375041].</ref>. Sal's also gave to the EAGLE School auction that spring<ref name="wsj-1998-05-14-p9">(1998, May 14). "EAGLE School auction contributors." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 9. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404524347/ 404524347].</ref>.

	In June 1999 Kalk wrote that the slices had lately been "dry and uninspired", which set off a readers' debate over Sal's and Casa Bianca. General manager David Boyer answered that the recipe had not changed and that the cooks weighed the cheese: a 20-inch house pie carried 18 ounces<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 24). "Sal's vs. Casa Bianca: the great pizza lovers' debate." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404124226/ 404124226].</ref>. Sal's then took a half-page advertisement in ''The Onion'' offering lunch to anyone who wrote the columnist in its defense; 142 people took a slice, and the letters called it "the greatest pizza in all of Madison", "the only place that will still sell food for a reduced rate at 4 a.m." and "the best pizza west of Brooklyn"<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60">Kalk, S. (1999, August 12). "A debate that won't die: Sal's fans saucily defend pizzeria." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 60. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404034329/ 404034329].</ref>.		In June 1999 Kalk wrote that the slices had lately been "dry and uninspired", which set off a readers' debate over Sal's and Casa Bianca. General manager David Boyer answered that the recipe had not changed and that the cooks weighed the cheese: a 20-inch house pie carried 18 ounces<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 24). "Sal's vs. Casa Bianca: the great pizza lovers' debate." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404124226/ 404124226].</ref>. Sal's then took a half-page advertisement in ''The Onion'' offering lunch to anyone who wrote the columnist in its defense; 142 people took a slice, and the letters called it "the greatest pizza in all of Madison", "the only place that will still sell food for a reduced rate at 4 a.m." and "the best pizza west of Brooklyn"<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60">Kalk, S. (1999, August 12). "A debate that won't die: Sal's fans saucily defend pizzeria." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 60. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404034329/ 404034329].</ref>.

Jacques: Use American spelling (license, favorite, neighborhood and the like)

2026-10-24T15:05:49Z

Use American spelling (license, favorite, neighborhood and the like)

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:05, 24 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Sal's Pizzeria''' was a New York-style slice shop at 313 State St. from October 1997 to September 1999, when it became [[Casa Bianca]] and, later, [[Pizza Di Roma]]. A second, unrelated Sal's Pizzeria was run at [[15 North Butler Street\|15 N. Butler St.]] by the Casa Bianca family in 2005 and 2006<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria">Kalk Derby, S. (2005, December 15). [https://madison.com/entertainment/article_3c032bde-5fae-5d72-bd6a-7797821acdbb.html "Sal's Pizzeria helps a family tradition grow."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.		'''Sal's Pizzeria''' was a New York-style slice shop at 313 State St. from October 27, 1997<ref name="ct-1997-11-01-p43">Kalk, S. (1997, November 1). "It's New York-style pizza, and it's darn good eating." ''The Capital Times''. p. 43. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522189660/ 522189660].</ref> to September 1999, when it became [[Casa Bianca]] and, later, [[Pizza Di Roma]]. A second, unrelated Sal's Pizzeria was run at [[15 North Butler Street\|15 N. Butler St.]] by the Casa Bianca family in 2005 and 2006<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria">Kalk Derby, S. (2005, December 15). [https://madison.com/entertainment/article_3c032bde-5fae-5d72-bd6a-7797821acdbb.html "Sal's Pizzeria helps a family tradition grow."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.

	==History==		==History==
			The company But-Lo LLC applied for a liquor license for "Sal's Pizzeria, 313 State St." in September 1997, with Eugene K. Gowan as agent<ref name="ct-1997-09-02-p21">(1997, September 2). "New liquor and beer license applications, September 1997." ''The Capital Times''. p. 21. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522095235/ 522095235], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522095342/ 522095342].</ref>; the council granted it on September 16<ref name="ct-1997-10-03-p18">(1997, October 3). "Common Council proceedings, September 16, 1997." ''The Capital Times''. p. 18. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522530999/ 522530999].</ref>. At the end of the month the "authentic New York style pizza joint on State Street" advertised for counter help, pizza makers and kitchen staff, "all shifts and positions": "Enthusiasm, character are more important than experience. Get in on the ground floor of this exciting concept."<ref name="wsj-1997-09-28-p92">(1997, September 28). "Counter & Kitchen — Now Hiring! Sal's Pizzeria." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 92. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401436118/ 401436118], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401437056/ 401437056], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401700069/ 401700069], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401700530/ 401700530].</ref>

			It opened on Monday, October 27, 1997, next to Zorba's, with a view of the lit Parthenon across the street and a neon motto, "A slice of New York on State Street". Samara Kalk reviewed it that Saturday and gave it three stars: "Transplanted New Yorkers Rob LoBreglio and Eliot Butler, the entrepreneurial whiz kids who brought Madison its first brew pub, the Great Dane, have another triumph on their hands." It was open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, "till bartime in a week or two", for dining in and carry-out, and on its second night nearly every table was full. Kalk added that "Madison's first New York-style pizza parlor, Rozino's, is insulated by a couple of blocks but is also sure to suffer"<ref name="ct-1997-11-01-p43" />. The first week was "twice what we expected", LoBreglio said. After a packed Friday and Saturday the shop closed on Sunday and Monday, November 2 and 3, with a sign on the door promising to reopen "when we can serve you the best pizza possible"; a cooler had failed and ruined the dough, "but mainly it was human exhaustion" after 19-hour days. It reopened on the Tuesday with more staff trained. The third partner, Gene Gowan, had worked at the Dining Room and L'Etoile<ref name="ct-1997-11-08-p41">Kalk, S. (1997, November 8). "Sal's success almost too much for it to handle." ''The Capital Times''. p. 41. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522191880/ 522191880].</ref>. In December the State Journal's Dave Becker made it one of two "new contenders" for Madison's best pizza, alongside the [[Urban Pizza Cafe\|Urban Pizza Co.]]: "From the extraordinary crust to the large selection of creative toppings, this may well be the best regular pizza in Madison." By then the hours were 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, to midnight Thursday to Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, the beers on tap included the Great Dane's, and orders were called out by number from the counter<ref name="wsj-1997-12-07-p56">Becker, D. and Pizza), D. B. a. C. M. (1997, December 7). "Two pizzerias vie for best of Madison's best new eats." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 56. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401422712/ 401422712].</ref>. On December 21 its employees spotted the fire at the Parthenon and called it in<ref name="ct-1997-12-22-p7">(1997, December 22). "Parthenon fire." ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522207018/ 522207018].</ref>.

	Sal's opened in October 1997 on the 300 block of State Street, "an exciting time for those who like New York pizza sold by the slice. Not only was Sal's cheap and hot but there were dozens of slices to choose from and the mozzarella was full-flavored and generous," Samara Kalk recalled in June 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 17). "Gila Monster bites dust; Cleveland's takes break." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404115636/ 404115636].</ref>. Its owners were Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio of the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Butler the majority partner; the city licensed it in 1999 to But-Lo LLC<ref name="ct-1999-05-26-p7">(1999, May 26). City of Madison 1999–2000 alcohol license renewals, part 2: Liquor & Beer Class B (#159–458): But-Lo LLC dba Sal's Pizzeria 313 State St.; First Madco Inc. dba Rocky Rococo 7952 Tree Ln.; Mineral Spirits Inc. dba Edwardo's N…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522006391/ 522006391], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522007482/ 522007482].</ref><ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61">Kalk, S. (1999, August 26). Sal's listed for sale; Glass Nickel expands to west side. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 61. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402056959/ 402056959], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522664495/ 522664495].</ref>. The Bassett Street pizza parlor Casa Bianca opened at about the same time<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria" />.		Sal's opened in October 1997 on the 300 block of State Street, "an exciting time for those who like New York pizza sold by the slice. Not only was Sal's cheap and hot but there were dozens of slices to choose from and the mozzarella was full-flavored and generous," Samara Kalk recalled in June 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 17). "Gila Monster bites dust; Cleveland's takes break." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404115636/ 404115636].</ref>. Its owners were Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio of the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Butler the majority partner; the city licensed it in 1999 to But-Lo LLC<ref name="ct-1999-05-26-p7">(1999, May 26). City of Madison 1999–2000 alcohol license renewals, part 2: Liquor & Beer Class B (#159–458): But-Lo LLC dba Sal's Pizzeria 313 State St.; First Madco Inc. dba Rocky Rococo 7952 Tree Ln.; Mineral Spirits Inc. dba Edwardo's N…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522006391/ 522006391], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522007482/ 522007482].</ref><ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61">Kalk, S. (1999, August 26). Sal's listed for sale; Glass Nickel expands to west side. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 61. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402056959/ 402056959], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522664495/ 522664495].</ref>. The Bassett Street pizza parlor Casa Bianca opened at about the same time<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria" />.

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	==Pizza==		==Pizza==
			* In its first weeks Sal's sold slices from $1.75 for cheese to $2.50 for the specialties — "a bit higher than the Madison average but well worth it" — and whole pies from $12 to $15. There were 20 specialty pizzas: Chicken Parmigiana and Lasagna (ricotta and ground beef under the mozzarella) were Kalk's two slices; others were pesto with roasted red pepper, ziti, hot chicken with wing sauce and bleu cheese, salad pizza, grilled cheese, Philly cheese-steak, and a "white with spinach" slice spread with ricotta instead of tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella and sauteed spinach, "a rich, savory change of pace". The crust was "hearty, yeasty … thin and airy enough that it's a pleasure to chew yet substantial and crispy enough to stand up to the toppings"<ref name="ct-1997-11-01-p43" /><ref name="wsj-1997-12-07-p56" />.
			* Garlic knots, "garlic-studded balls of pizza dough baked to a crisp exterior", were $1 an order, and five came with the $6.95 eggplant parmigiana. The kitchen also made calzones, salads, "Happy Roll" sandwiches and nearly a dozen pastas, and the staff wore T-shirts reading "Damn Right It's Good Pizza"<ref name="ct-1997-11-01-p43" /><ref name="wsj-1997-12-07-p56" />.
	* New York-style pizza by the slice, with "dozens of slices to choose from" in 1997<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" />. A house pie was 20 inches with 18 ounces of mozzarella<ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64" />. Readers in 1999 also praised the garlic knots<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60" />.		* New York-style pizza by the slice, with "dozens of slices to choose from" in 1997<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" />. A house pie was 20 inches with 18 ounces of mozzarella<ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64" />. Readers in 1999 also praised the garlic knots<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60" />.

	==Former Locations==		==Former Locations==
	* 313 State St. (October 1997 to September 1999)<ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-10-21-p64" />. Later [[Casa Bianca]] and [[Pizza Di Roma]].		* 313 State St. (October 27, 1997<ref name="ct-1997-11-01-p43" /> to September 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-10-21-p64" />), next to Zorba's. Later [[Casa Bianca]] and [[Pizza Di Roma]].

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

Jacques: Use American spelling (license, favorite, neighborhood and the like)

2026-10-24T03:31:28Z

Use American spelling (license, favorite, neighborhood and the like)

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:31, 24 October 2026
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	==History==		==History==
	Sal's opened in October 1997 on the 300 block of State Street, "an exciting time for those who like New York pizza sold by the slice. Not only was Sal's cheap and hot but there were dozens of slices to choose from and the mozzarella was full-flavored and generous," Samara Kalk recalled in June 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 17). "Gila Monster bites dust; Cleveland's takes break." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404115636/ 404115636].</ref>. Its owners were Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio of the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Butler the majority partner; the city licensed it in 1999 to But-Lo LLC<ref name="ct-1999-05-26-p7">(1999, May 26). City of Madison 1999–2000 alcohol ~~licence~~ renewals, part 2: Liquor & Beer Class B (#159–458): But-Lo LLC dba Sal's Pizzeria 313 State St.; First Madco Inc. dba Rocky Rococo 7952 Tree Ln.; Mineral Spirits Inc. dba Edwardo's N…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522006391/ 522006391], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522007482/ 522007482].</ref><ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61">Kalk, S. (1999, August 26). Sal's listed for sale; Glass Nickel expands to west side. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 61. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402056959/ 402056959], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522664495/ 522664495].</ref>. The Bassett Street pizza parlor Casa Bianca opened at about the same time<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria" />.		Sal's opened in October 1997 on the 300 block of State Street, "an exciting time for those who like New York pizza sold by the slice. Not only was Sal's cheap and hot but there were dozens of slices to choose from and the mozzarella was full-flavored and generous," Samara Kalk recalled in June 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 17). "Gila Monster bites dust; Cleveland's takes break." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404115636/ 404115636].</ref>. Its owners were Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio of the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Butler the majority partner; the city licensed it in 1999 to But-Lo LLC<ref name="ct-1999-05-26-p7">(1999, May 26). City of Madison 1999–2000 alcohol license renewals, part 2: Liquor & Beer Class B (#159–458): But-Lo LLC dba Sal's Pizzeria 313 State St.; First Madco Inc. dba Rocky Rococo 7952 Tree Ln.; Mineral Spirits Inc. dba Edwardo's N…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522006391/ 522006391], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522007482/ 522007482].</ref><ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61">Kalk, S. (1999, August 26). Sal's listed for sale; Glass Nickel expands to west side. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 61. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402056959/ 402056959], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522664495/ 522664495].</ref>. The Bassett Street pizza parlor Casa Bianca opened at about the same time<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria" />.

	In June 1999 Kalk wrote that the slices had lately been "dry and uninspired", which set off a readers' debate over Sal's and Casa Bianca. General manager David Boyer answered that the recipe had not changed and that the cooks weighed the cheese: a 20-inch house pie carried 18 ounces<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 24). "Sal's vs. Casa Bianca: the great pizza lovers' debate." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404124226/ 404124226].</ref>. Sal's then took a half-page advertisement in ''The Onion'' offering lunch to anyone who wrote the columnist in its ~~defence~~; 142 people took a slice, and the letters called it "the greatest pizza in all of Madison", "the only place that will still sell food for a reduced rate at 4 a.m." and "the best pizza west of Brooklyn"<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60">Kalk, S. (1999, August 12). "A debate that won't die: Sal's fans saucily defend pizzeria." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 60. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404034329/ 404034329].</ref>.		In June 1999 Kalk wrote that the slices had lately been "dry and uninspired", which set off a readers' debate over Sal's and Casa Bianca. General manager David Boyer answered that the recipe had not changed and that the cooks weighed the cheese: a 20-inch house pie carried 18 ounces<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 24). "Sal's vs. Casa Bianca: the great pizza lovers' debate." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404124226/ 404124226].</ref>. Sal's then took a half-page advertisement in ''The Onion'' offering lunch to anyone who wrote the columnist in its defense; 142 people took a slice, and the letters called it "the greatest pizza in all of Madison", "the only place that will still sell food for a reduced rate at 4 a.m." and "the best pizza west of Brooklyn"<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60">Kalk, S. (1999, August 12). "A debate that won't die: Sal's fans saucily defend pizzeria." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 60. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404034329/ 404034329].</ref>.

	Two weeks later the owners listed the restaurant in the trade magazine ''Pizza Today'' — "Operating Pizzeria in Madison, Wisconsin. 2,300 square feet. Buy out or sublet, fully loaded" — at $200,000 for the equipment, lease, recipes, name and a non-competition agreement. Running the Great Dane, which was approaching its fifth birthday, was "more than enough work", Butler said<ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61" />. Nafi Elmazi of Casa Bianca took it over and reopened it in September 1999, keeping the Casa Bianca name<ref name="wsj-1999-10-21-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, October 21). "Wild Grains to fill Knickerbocker Place bakery void." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401929879/ 401929879], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401929898/ 401929898].</ref>. A year later Kalk noted that the State Street Sal's "is no longer in business"<ref name="ct-2000-09-21-p61">Kalk, S. (2000, September 21). "Pie in the face." ''The Capital Times''. p. 61. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522186478/ 522186478].</ref>.		Two weeks later the owners listed the restaurant in the trade magazine ''Pizza Today'' — "Operating Pizzeria in Madison, Wisconsin. 2,300 square feet. Buy out or sublet, fully loaded" — at $200,000 for the equipment, lease, recipes, name and a non-competition agreement. Running the Great Dane, which was approaching its fifth birthday, was "more than enough work", Butler said<ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61" />. Nafi Elmazi of Casa Bianca took it over and reopened it in September 1999, keeping the Casa Bianca name<ref name="wsj-1999-10-21-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, October 21). "Wild Grains to fill Knickerbocker Place bakery void." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401929879/ 401929879], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401929898/ 401929898].</ref>. A year later Kalk noted that the State Street Sal's "is no longer in business"<ref name="ct-2000-09-21-p61">Kalk, S. (2000, September 21). "Pie in the face." ''The Capital Times''. p. 61. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522186478/ 522186478].</ref>.

Jacques: New article from the 1999 newspaper research recorded in the database

2026-10-23T18:26:24Z

New article from the 1999 newspaper research recorded in the database

New page

'''Sal's Pizzeria''' was a New York-style slice shop at 313 State St. from October 1997 to September 1999, when it became [[Casa Bianca]] and, later, [[Pizza Di Roma]]. A second, unrelated Sal's Pizzeria was run at [[15 North Butler Street|15 N. Butler St.]] by the Casa Bianca family in 2005 and 2006<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria">Kalk Derby, S. (2005, December 15). [https://madison.com/entertainment/article_3c032bde-5fae-5d72-bd6a-7797821acdbb.html "Sal's Pizzeria helps a family tradition grow."] ''madison.com''.</ref>.

==History==
Sal's opened in October 1997 on the 300 block of State Street, "an exciting time for those who like New York pizza sold by the slice. Not only was Sal's cheap and hot but there were dozens of slices to choose from and the mozzarella was full-flavored and generous," Samara Kalk recalled in June 1999<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 17). "Gila Monster bites dust; Cleveland's takes break." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404115636/ 404115636].</ref>. Its owners were Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio of the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Butler the majority partner; the city licensed it in 1999 to But-Lo LLC<ref name="ct-1999-05-26-p7">(1999, May 26). City of Madison 1999–2000 alcohol licence renewals, part 2: Liquor & Beer Class B (#159–458): But-Lo LLC dba Sal's Pizzeria 313 State St.; First Madco Inc. dba Rocky Rococo 7952 Tree Ln.; Mineral Spirits Inc. dba Edwardo's N…. ''The Capital Times''. p. 7. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522006391/ 522006391], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522007482/ 522007482].</ref><ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61">Kalk, S. (1999, August 26). Sal's listed for sale; Glass Nickel expands to west side. ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 61. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/402056959/ 402056959], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522664495/ 522664495].</ref>. The Bassett Street pizza parlor Casa Bianca opened at about the same time<ref name="mc-2005-12-15-sals-pizzeria" />.

In June 1999 Kalk wrote that the slices had lately been "dry and uninspired", which set off a readers' debate over Sal's and Casa Bianca. General manager David Boyer answered that the recipe had not changed and that the cooks weighed the cheese: a 20-inch house pie carried 18 ounces<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, June 24). "Sal's vs. Casa Bianca: the great pizza lovers' debate." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404124226/ 404124226].</ref>. Sal's then took a half-page advertisement in ''The Onion'' offering lunch to anyone who wrote the columnist in its defence; 142 people took a slice, and the letters called it "the greatest pizza in all of Madison", "the only place that will still sell food for a reduced rate at 4 a.m." and "the best pizza west of Brooklyn"<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60">Kalk, S. (1999, August 12). "A debate that won't die: Sal's fans saucily defend pizzeria." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 60. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/404034329/ 404034329].</ref>.

Two weeks later the owners listed the restaurant in the trade magazine ''Pizza Today'' — "Operating Pizzeria in Madison, Wisconsin. 2,300 square feet. Buy out or sublet, fully loaded" — at $200,000 for the equipment, lease, recipes, name and a non-competition agreement. Running the Great Dane, which was approaching its fifth birthday, was "more than enough work", Butler said<ref name="wsj-1999-08-26-p61" />. Nafi Elmazi of Casa Bianca took it over and reopened it in September 1999, keeping the Casa Bianca name<ref name="wsj-1999-10-21-p64">Kalk, S. (1999, October 21). "Wild Grains to fill Knickerbocker Place bakery void." ''Wisconsin State Journal''. p. 64. Newspapers.com images [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401929879/ 401929879], [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401929898/ 401929898].</ref>. A year later Kalk noted that the State Street Sal's "is no longer in business"<ref name="ct-2000-09-21-p61">Kalk, S. (2000, September 21). "Pie in the face." ''The Capital Times''. p. 61. Newspapers.com image [https://www.newspapers.com/image/522186478/ 522186478].</ref>.

==Pizza==
* New York-style pizza by the slice, with "dozens of slices to choose from" in 1997<ref name="wsj-1999-06-17-p64" />. A house pie was 20 inches with 18 ounces of mozzarella<ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64" />. Readers in 1999 also praised the garlic knots<ref name="wsj-1999-08-12-p60" />.

==Former Locations==
* 313 State St. (October 1997 to September 1999)<ref name="wsj-1999-06-24-p64" /><ref name="wsj-1999-10-21-p64" />. Later [[Casa Bianca]] and [[Pizza Di Roma]].

==See also==
* [[Casa Bianca]]
* [[Pizza Di Roma]]
* [[New York (pizza style)]]
* [[Item:Q2193|Sal's Pizzeria in the Madison Pizza Wiki database]]

==Notes==
<references />

[[Category:1990s]]