OUR HISTORY
Luigi’s Pizza was originally founded in 1970 by Fred Kirshy and Louie Hallal.
Both learned their trade working and operating in Italian restaurants and diners during the early 1950s & 1960s in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Cousins Fred and Louie decided to venture out on their own and established Luigi’s in 1970 in between (what used to be) Publix and Hogan’s Drug Store. They offered a small menu consisting of exclusively pizza and sandwiches. As with all new, small businesses, things were difficult in Brooksville in 1970, but through hard work and perseverance, Luigi’s survived. Their business philosophy was very simple– treat people right!
George Kirshy Sr, Sunny Grosso, and Michael Buono in front of the original Luigi's Pizza sign in front of the Hernando Plaza in 1970.
In 1972, the cousins decided to expand the restaurant and its menu.
They built just down the road in the heart of Brooksville at 750 South Broad Street– its current location. Shortly after, George Kirshy Sr made the long trek from Brooklyn to Brooksville to join the family business and the rest is history. Many things about Luigi’s have changed over the years but the recipes, the food, and the business philosophy of always treating people right remain exactly the same. George still starts every morning making his fresh dough for our pizzas and breadsticks, homemade meatballs, Italian dressing, and so much more.
Fred Kirshy standing in front of Queenie's Italian Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.
In 2022, in a continuation of the family tradition, George Kirshy Jr joined Luigi’s organization.
After his military service as a Major in the US ARMY, George joined Luigi’s as a full-time team member and manager as we entered our 53rd year in business.
Newspaper clip from the Citrus-Hernando Times. Story written by Hank Cohen in 1979.
Luigi’s is proud to be a member of the community and is grateful for all the amazing customers, friends, and relationships that we have built right here in Brooksville over the years.
Thank you,
George Kirshy Sr and family
Mrs. Steckle and family were one of Luigi's very first customers and frequently dined at Luigi's for over 50 years. Here is Doris Steckle during her 90th birthday party at Luigi's.