SINCE 2012

Our History

As the US reopened to socialization and revelry post-Prohibition, a new establishment began serving the Youngstown community in the 1930s on Belmont Ave: Avalon Gardens. Founded by Avalon Downtown Pizzeria owner Anne Massullo-Sabella’s grandparents, Gennaro (James) and Lena Massullo, Avalon Gardens quickly became a cherished name among Youngstown restaurants downtown. Known for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional food, it was a beloved institution for decades.

After 40 years, the Massullos sold the restaurant to the Sabella family in 1970. During this time, a young Michael Sabella and his friend, Robert Smith (Smitty), introduced pizza to the Avalon Gardens menu. These weren’t just ordinary pies but a distinct part of Youngstown pizza culture — expertly crafted by Smitty, featuring fresh ingredients and a focaccia-like crust that won over everyone who tasted it. Pizza soon became a hallmark of Avalon Gardens, reinvigorating a restaurant that had already served the community for half a century. Avalon Gardens eventually closed its doors in 2010, leaving a void in Youngstown’s culinary landscape and losing a popular spot for generations to enjoy.

This gap paved the way for the opening of Avalon Downtown Pizzeria. Anne and Michael, along with their three sons — Lorenzo, Andrew, and Niccolas — decided to bring the spirit of Avalon back to Youngstown. Located on W Federal, Avalon Downtown Pizzeria carries forward the cherished tradition of its predecessor.

Today, the legacy lives on. The focaccia-like pizza, a staple of Youngstown’s pizza scene, is still expertly crafted by the Avalon team. Anne’s son Lorenzo learned the art of making this renowned dough from Smitty, who frequently visits the restaurant. Lorenzo begins each day early, making Avalon dough from scratch and hand sheeting each pizza — a meticulous process that takes over four hours, with no shortcuts allowed. Each pizza is topped with premium ingredients like Stanislaus tomatoes, Grande cheese, Margherita pepperoni, Italian sausage, and imported Italian cheese. Avalon Downtown Pizzeria also prides itself on making all soups from scratch, offering fresh daily pepperoni rolls, and preparing classic Hungarian Hot Peppers in oil in-house. All fried appetizers are hand-breaded on-site.

Yet, the most essential ingredient at Avalon Downtown Pizzeria is its atmosphere. It remains a vibrant gathering place for the community, where friends of all ages come together, families celebrate, and good times are enjoyed. With its outstanding food, storied tradition, and strong community presence, Avalon Downtown Pizzeria is truly the pizza of Youngstown.