Jeff Marini grew up eating Frank Pepe Pizzeria on Wooster Street. Now he runs it.

In Episode 54 of Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show, Jeff joins us to tell the story of how a kid who loved Pepe’s became the manager of one of the most legendary pizzerias in America.

We talk about working inside the iconic Wooster Street location, the culture of Pepe’s, and what it takes to keep a New Haven pizza institution running.

Plus:
🍕 We try the new Calabrese pizza
🔥 Frank puts his spice tolerance to the test
📖 Jeff shares stories from behind the counter at one of the most famous pizzerias in the world.

If you love New Haven apizza, pizza history, or behind-the-scenes restaurant stories, this episode is for you.

You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google, Amazon Music and wherever else you get your podcasts

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Have a pizza topic suggestions, thoughts, or questions? Email us: charrednewhaven@gmail.com

Episode 53 is packed with pizza headlines and real-life pizza stories. Kevin and Frank talk Valentine’s Day pizza gifts, Frank issues a challenge for people visiting local pizzerias, and we react to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles entering the pizza business.

Plus, pizza wine is coming to Connecticut, we break down the Super Bowl bet between a New Haven and Seattle pizzeria, and react to the viral video of Korean parents trying New Haven apizza for the first time.

You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google, Amazon Music and wherever else you get your podcasts

Subscribe and Follow HERE

Have a pizza topic suggestions, thoughts, or questions? Email us: charrednewhaven@gmail.com

In Episode 52, Kevin and Frank sit down with Niko from Salty Tomato in West Haven. With a background in fine dining and experience as a celebrity chef, Niko shares how he transitioned into the pizza world and how those high-level techniques shape the pies he’s making today.

Plus, he brings out some of his creations for us to try, and we break down what makes them stand out. A great conversation about craft, creativity, and bringing elevated skills to New Haven-style pizza.

You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google, Amazon Music and wherever else you get your podcasts

Subscribe and Follow HERE

Have a pizza topic suggestions, thoughts, or questions? Email us: charrednewhaven@gmail.com

In Episode 51, Kevin and Frank unleash Pizzavus! A full eruption of pizza grievances. From wild Facebook comment sections to baffling customer behavior inside pizzerias, nothing is off the table. We dig into topping controversies, the strange things people do to their slices, and the habits that make pizza purists lose sleep at night.

It’s honest. It’s heated. It’s probably going to upset someone.

Another fiery episode of Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show. Grab a slice and brace yourself.

You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google, Amazon Music and wherever else you get your podcasts

Subscribe and Follow HERE

Have a pizza topic suggestions, thoughts, or questions? Email us: charrednewhaven@gmail.com

Happy New Year! We are back with all new episodes in 2026. Episode 50 is here and it's delicious. Kevin and Frank recap the holidays with:

- The best (and most ridiculous) pizza-themed Christmas gifts
- Holiday pizza experiments — Frank goes Detroit style, Kevin fires up New Haven style
- The viral “Balloon Pizza” video — genius, crime, or internet nonsense?
- Tom Brady’s new Pizza Hut ad — thoughts, feelings, and pizza hut memories

You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google, Amazon Music and wherever else you get your podcasts

Subscribe and Follow HERE

Have a pizza topic suggestions, thoughts, or questions? Email us: charrednewhaven@gmail.com