South Philadelphia: Vincent Iannelli Keeps Up 105 Year-Old Family Business

Philadelphia Neighborhoods
by Emily Catharine Ganser

Walking down East Passyunk Avenue, you might miss this Italian, family-owned and operated pizza shop. Iannelli’s Famous Brick Oven Bakery may be small but third generation owner, Vincent Iannelli, knows his way around the kitchen.

The 28-year-old Iannelli inherited the bakery from his grandparents, Terry and Mirna, who started the business in 1910.

Iannelli’s grandparents opened up shop on 1155 E. Passyunk Ave. to feature their famous tomato pie in the neighborhood. They wanted to introduce the Philadelphia pizza industry to a cheese-less pizza. A tradition that Iannelli continues today.