Business Details
29 Years
experience
John's of Times Square: New York's Premier Coal-Fired Pizza Since 1997
Founded in 1997, our pizzeria was born from a vision to transform a historic church into a culinary landmark. Our founder, Madeline Castellotti, recognized the potential in a derelict Gospel Tabernacle Church on West 44th Street, where she meticulously preserved its stained glass ceiling while creating the largest pizzeria in the United States. After her passing in 2004, her daughter Lisa Castellotti continued this legacy, maintaining our commitment to handcrafted coal-fired pizzas and exceptional service. Our unique ovens, operating at 800 degrees without thermostats, require skilled artisans who undergo months of training to master their heat.We source only the freshest ingredients, ensuring every pizza reflects our dedication to quality and tradition. Over 28 years, we've become a New York institution, hosting Broadway premieres, award ceremonies, and private events for up to 400 guests. Our menu extends beyond pizza to include housemade pastas, fresh salads, and dietary accommodations like gluten-free options. While our history is rooted in Times Square's revitalization, our focus remains on delivering an unforgettable dining experience that honors our founder's original vision.
Services
Coal-Fired Pizza
Private Events
Delivery
Catering
Gluten-Free Options
Gift Cards
Dietary Accommodations
Historic Venue Tours
Group Reservations
Comedy Show Packages
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer over 28 years of serving New York's best pizza in a historic landmark setting
- Our four coal-fired ovens require specialized training for consistent, perfect results
- We maintain the original stained glass ceiling from our church building's history
- We accommodate dietary needs with gluten-free dough and nut-allergy-conscious preparation
- We host events for groups of 15-400 guests with customized party packages
Services
Coal-Fired Brick Oven Pizza
Our signature pizzas are crafted in 800-degree coal-fired ovens requiring specialized training to master. Each pie uses fresh ingredients and housemade dough, with unique characteristics developing from our seasoned ovens. We offer classic New York-style pizzas alongside creative combinations featuring premium toppings.
Private Event Catering
We host events for 15-400 guests in our historic venue, offering customized party packages with dedicated menus and service teams. Our space accommodates corporate functions, weddings, and special celebrations with full restaurant buyouts and themed decorations.
Gluten-Free Dining
We provide gluten-free dough and penne pasta options for guests with dietary restrictions. While our gluten-free items are prepared separately, we advise customers with severe allergies about potential cross-contamination risks in our kitchen environment.
Historic Venue Tours
Our restaurant occupies a former Gospel Tabernacle Church featuring original stained glass ceilings. We offer venue tours highlighting architectural preservation efforts and the transformation of this historic space into New York's largest pizzeria.
Group Reservations
We accommodate groups of 15+ with priority seating and dedicated service. Reservations require advance booking through our event coordinator, with options for customized menus and special arrangements for larger parties exceeding 25 guests.
People
Madeline Castellotti
Founder
Visionary founder who transformed a derelict church into New York's largest pizzeria, operating from 1997 until her passing in 2004. She pioneered the concept of combining historic preservation with artisanal pizza-making.
Lisa Castellotti
Owner
Current owner who continued her mother's legacy after taking over in 2004. She expanded event hosting capabilities and maintained the restaurant's reputation as one of New York's best pizzerias through operational excellence.
Questions
Do you offer gluten-free pizza options?
We provide homemade gluten-free dough, though pizzas are prepared in the same ovens as regular items. For severe allergies, we recommend our gluten-free penne prepared separately.
Can I host a large event at your restaurant?
We accommodate events for 15-400 guests with customized packages, including full restaurant buyouts, dedicated service teams, and themed decorations for special occasions.
Is delivery available for your pizzas?
Yes, we offer delivery through Grubhub for individual orders while maintaining our signature pizza quality during transport.
What makes your pizza unique?
Our coal-fired ovens operate at 800 degrees without thermostats, requiring specialized training for pizza artisans. The seasoned ovens create distinct characteristics in every pizza we produce.
Are gift cards available for purchase?
Digital gift certificates can be purchased through our website and delivered via email within one business day for convenient gifting options.
Is your location accessible for disabled guests?
Our main dining area has 200 accessible seats with no stairs required for entry, ensuring comfortable access for guests with mobility needs.
